CNMI becomes the first U.S. territory to allow recreational marijuana use.
On 21st September, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) legalized cannabis completely. They did so without initiating a vote from its citizens. The bill passed with support in both chambers of government. A majority of lawmakers in both chambers including the island’s governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres are Republican.
The CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018 was 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. The bill also creates a Cannabis Commission to regulate sales.
This piece of cannabis legislation allows island residents over the age of 21 to possess up to one ounce of cannabis at a time. This includes the possession of cannabis-infused products, such as edibles, and extracts, and oils. Residents of the island can also grow their own cannabis plants in their homes.
CNMI is now an island paradise that currently has one of the most progressive cannabis legislation. This makes the island attractive for those looking for cannabis friendly vacation and could possibly attract more tourists. According to Forbes, the Commonwealth is the first American territory to have completely legalized cannabis through legislation, instead of voters making the decision.
The U.S. state of Vermont also legalized cannabis in a similar manner, however, the state currently only allows residents to possess and cultivate cannabis. The sale of legalized cannabis remains illegal in the state.
The population of the Northern Mariana Islands is currently 55,023. It’s slightly more than the population of Schweinfurt, Germany. Now that cannabis has been legalized in this beautiful beach paradise, it’s time to plan a vacation!
A study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime found that 70% of the marijuana entering South Africa comes from Lesotho. And, Lesotho became the first African country to grant licenses for the medicinal cultivation of cannabis.
