Cannabis and Guam

Guam was the first US territory in 2019 to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use. The movement from legalization for medical use to recreational use legalization happened relatively quickly. Leaders in the territory were receptive and supportive of the idea of legalization. This is more so because of the possible close connection that the people of Guam still have with cannabis and also the fact that now the Commonwealth of North Mariana Islands have legalized cannabis for both medical and adult recreational use.

The adult recreational use rules signed into law by Governor Leon Guerrero in early 2019 will permit adults 21 years and above to possess and grow cannabis and will look to create the necessary system of licensing and regulations for businesses to produce and sell cannabis. Revenue from cannabis is expected to be directed towards improving law enforcement, agriculture programs and drug treatment. This has all come about after decades of frustration where persons suffering medical conditions were unable to access cannabis due to its unjust prohibition.

At least 35 US states have legalized cannabis for medical use so far. The federal US government however continues to keep cannabis in the Schedule 1 list of banned substances saying that it has no medicinal value. The list of US states that have legalized adult recreational cannabis is available here. All these states have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use, aimed specifically at improving public health, ensuring equity,  reducing crime, decreasing the black market, improving law enforcement, reforming criminal justice, improving the economy, agriculture and industry, to name just a few reasons.

Listed below are articles taken from various media related to the above subject. Words in italics are the thoughts of your truly at the time of reading the article.   


'“I’m actually very envious that the CNMI did it before we did [medicinal and recreational use]. I am very supportive of [cannabis legalization]. Being a nurse, I know the medical benefits of cannabis, [tetrahydrocannabinol], and [cannabidiol].”

She added that marijuana can treat several medical conditions and more studies are needed to be done to prove that. “It [marijuana] works to alleviate our people’s pain and suffering. It has shown to be very positive for neurological diseases, like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.”

Leon Guerrero said legalizing medical use in Guam also has its birth pains. “The physicians are not willing to prescribe it because it is a Schedule 1 drug. That’s one of the barriers. I’m just thinking that if we just legalized it as adult recreational, then a lot of that will be addressed and will help benefit our people (suffering) from those diseases.”'
https://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/marijuana-prohibition-to-end/


'Residents will be allowed to grow three flowering plants – and up to three more nonflowering plants – provided they are in an enclosed, locked space and not openly visible or for sale.

Cannabis consumption “openly and in public” will be banned, unless otherwise permitted by regulations yet to be adopted by the Cannabis Control Board.

Every marijuana cultivation facility will pay an excise tax of 15% on the value of cannabis sold or transferred from the facility to a retail MJ store.

“In the interest of enhancing revenue for public purposes with the creation of a new industry, enhancing individual freedom and promoting the efficient use of law enforcement resources, the use of cannabis should be legal for persons 21 years of age or older and the production and sale of cannabis should be regulated for public health, welfare, safety and taxation purposes,” the bill notes.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/guams-senate-approves-adult-use-cannabis-industry/


'Guam became the first U.S. jurisdiction to legalize marijuana in 2019 with the signature of Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero (D) on Thursday.

When it goes into effect, the U.S. territory’s new law will permit adults 21 and older to possess and grow cannabis, and it will create a system of licensed and regulated businesses to produce and sell marijuana.

There will be a 15 percent excise tax on sales, with revenues going toward law enforcement, drug treatment and agriculture programs.'
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/governor-signs-bill-legalizing-marijuana-in-guam/


'“No more waiting and more excuses,” said Muña, who described her bill as a stop-gap measure, to legalize home cultivation by qualified patients or their designated caregivers until marijuana becomes available at dispensaries. “Our patients are tired and frustrated, and some have even died waiting.”'
https://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2018/10/02/senators-debate-home-grown-medical-marijuana/1494952002/


'One amendment allows qualified individuals to grow up to 12 juvenile plants and six flowering plants – an increase from the three flowering plants and six juvenile plants in the original bill.

Another amendment requires the cannabis to be grown inside, under lock and key. Outside cultivation will not be permitted.'
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/senators-ok-homegrown-medicinal-marijuana/article_c6f3dbfc-c7ba-11e8-9ae3-4fb927f70e03.html


'Testimony was mostly positive, with some, such as senatorial candidate William Parkinson, pushing for the expanded use of home grown pot. "To do it properly you must implement home cultivation with a full adult use legalization together. That is, when you actually reduce the strain on law enforcement because you simplify the enforcement," he expressed.'
http://www.kuam.com/story/38887118/2018/08/Wednesday/new-bill-seeks-legalization-of-home-cultivation-of-medicinal-marijuana


Weekly Cannabit from New Frontier Data on the Oceania Market:

'While Australia, New Zealand, and Guam have legal medical markets, and the Northern Mariana Islands recently legalized both medical and adult use, the vast majority of the total addressable market remains illicit. '


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