THE House Cannabis Committee on Thursday decided to hold public hearings before acting on House Bill 22-78 which proposes to amend Public Law 20-66 or the Taulamwaar Sensible CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018.
The committee voted to table H.B. 22-78 which was the only item on the agenda.
Present in the meeting were the committee chair, Rep. Denita Yangetmai, and members, Reps. Richard Lizama, Corina Magofna and Celina Babauta.
Co-sponsored by Reps. Roy Ada, Angel A. Demapan, John Paul P. Sablan, Patrick H. San Nicolas and Ralph N. Yumul, H.B. 22-78 proposes to establish a Cannabis Commission revolving account for operations. It would allow the CNMI Cannabis Commission to collect application, licensing and violation/penalty fees as regulatory fees and place them in a revolving account to assist with the commission’s operational needs.
The proposed amendment will also allow planting marijuana in the Northern Islands.
During the committee meeting, Magofna said she supports the intent of H.B. 22-78 but she said they needed more information pertaining to the creation of the regulatory revolving account.
She suggested that the committee further discuss the commission’s expenses, budget and revenue stream.
Babauta suggested that they hear from Northern Islands Mayor Vicente Santos Jr. regarding planting marijuana in the Northern Islands. She suggested that a public hearing be held first before they act on H.B. 22-78.
Lizama agreed, saying they need more information.
By a voice-vote, the committee agreed to table the measure until public hearings are held.
The Cannabis Commission has expressed strong support for the bill, saying it would also clarify the power of the commission and create a regulatory revolving fund.
