Guam – Efforts toward the legalization of recreational marijuana will be discussed at the legislature tomorrow during a public hearing on Bill 32.
The legislature has allotted seven hours of public discussion on the bill that proposes to allow the regulated adult use of marijuana by anyone at least 21 years old.
Sen. Clynt Ridgell, the author of the Guam Cannabis Industry Act, is encouraging island residents to come out and testify.
“A majority of the United States – 34 states to be exact – have legalized cannabis in some form,” Ridgell said. “Canada has completely legalized cannabis. South Korea has legalized medicinal cannabis extracts, Thailand has legalized medicinal cannabis, and even Malaysia, which has very harsh drug laws, is considering [reforming] their cannabis policies.”
Ridgell noted that cannabis reform is becoming a worldwide trend. Advocates underscore its medicinal properties and the revenue potentials of the marijuana industry.
Guam voters gave their nod to medicinal use of marijuana in 2014. The medical marijuana program, however, has since been stalled due to a lack of the mandatory testing laboratory.
Last year, former Gov. Eddie Calvo endorsed the exploration of the economic benefits of recreational marijuana.
The public hearing on Bill 32 will be held at the Guam Congress building from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
