The CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018 is a bill introduced in the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Legislature in 2017 as SB 20-62. It was introduced by Senator Sixto Igisomar and would legalize cannabis possession and consumption by adults and create a Cannabis Commission to regulate sales in the Commonwealth.[1] Hearings on the act were held in October, 2017;[2] a senator said it had the highest public attendance of any hearings he knew of.[3] On May 16, 2018 (May 15 in the States), SB 20-62 had a final vote in the Commonwealth's Senate, and was passed without opposition.[4][2][5] On May 30 (29 in the States), it passed the House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations unanimously.[6]
The act was initially fashioned like a referendum to appear as a ballot question for voters in November, 2018; that language was deleted when it was adopted by the Senate.[1][5]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa (August 14, 2017), "Igisomar reintroduces marijuana bill; says it is subject to voter approval", Marianas Variety
- ^ a b Tom Angell (May 15, 2018), "Lawmakers In US Territory Approve Marijuana Legalization", Marijuana Moment
- ^ Erwin Encinares (October 31, 2017), "Cruz: Public hearing on cannabis measure attracts high attendance", Saipan Tribune
- ^ Senate calendar for third special session, May 16, 2018, Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Legislature official website, published May 11, 2018
- ^ a b "Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Legislation to Legalize Marijuana ; Update: SB 20-62 was approved by the Senate on 5/15.", Official website, NORML, May 15, 2018
- ^ Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa (May 30, 2018), "House panel OK's marijuana bill", Marianas Variety
Further reading[edit]
- Vince Sliwoski (March 7, 2018), "Ask a Pot Lawyer: What's Going on with US Territories and Weed? A Look at Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and Other Territories", Portland Mercury
- Gerry Palacios Hemley (August 25, 2017), "What is the CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018? (part one)", Saipan Tribune / part two, August 28
External links[edit]
- Text of Cannabis Act of 2018 (CNMI Legislature)