GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Friday commended the Cannabis Commission board, executive director and managing director for ensuring a seamless application process.
“I know that they’ve worked really hard and very collaboratively with the permit applicants,” Torres said. “They’ve done an extraordinary job in making sure that this industry is up and running.”
He noted that the industry is not just about “doing business, charging for services, and then moving forward.”
He said, “There’s a lot of legality [and] technicality that need to be considered and put into place,” adding that local culture, the environment, and the tourism industry are other factors that have to be addressed.
Torres is hoping that there will be a growing interest in the cannabis industry both locally and internationally, resulting in more companies making the CNMI as one of their hubs or even their headquarters.
The governor said he has also spoken with Department of Public Safety Commissioner Robert Guerrero and the officials of the other enforcement agencies to partner with the Cannabis Commission and ensure that regulations are enforced.
He added, “We’re not out there to find little things [and] penalize you, but we [do] want to educate our community that we have this opportunity, so let’s protect it [and] not take advantage of it. Use it and grow it responsibly. I think that’s the biggest message.”
The governor also acknowledged “that there’s going to be a lot of trial and error, but I believe that we have the right folks and the right mission in addressing any concerns.”
With the support of the local community, the governor said he believes that the industry will head in the right direction with the right goals and at the right pace.
The CNMI Cannabis Commission was created by Public Law 20-66, otherwise known as the Taulumwaar Sensible Cannabis Act of 2018, as amended by CNMI P.L. 21-5, to legalize the possession, use, and sale of cannabis in the Commonwealth.
The commission’s board members are chairman Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, vice chairman Matthew O. Deleon Guerrero, secretary Journie M. Hofschneider, treasurer Valentino N. Taisacan, and member Thomas L. Songsong.
Monique B. Sablan is the commission’s managing director.
