CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018

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
  1. Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa (August 14, 2017), "Igisomar reintroduces marijuana bill; says it is subject to voter approval", Marianas Variety
  2. Tom Angell (May 15, 2018), "Lawmakers In US Territory Approve Marijuana Legalization", Marijuana Moment
  3. Erwin Encinares (October 31, 2017), "Cruz: Public hearing on cannabis measure attracts high attendance", Saipan Tribune
  4. Senate calendar for third special session, May 16, 2018, Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Legislature official website, published May 11, 2018
  5. "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
  6. Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa (May 30, 2018), "House panel OK's marijuana bill", Marianas Variety

Further reading
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