THE CNMI Cannabis Commission reported a significant decline in excise and surtax collections for fiscal year 2025, totaling just $113,880.33 as of July 31, according to its Citizen-Centric Report released earlier this month. The total represents an 80% drop from FY2024’s $686,978.56 in cannabis-related tax revenue.
Commission officials attributed the downturn in part to reduced license renewal fees, which were lowered by 25% across all categories to support industry viability. The fee cuts, authorized by Board Resolution No. 2025-08-001, were intended to ease financial pressure on licensees and encourage continued participation in the regulated market. Some FY2025 revenue may still be pending, with $61,950 in renewal fees collected ahead of the September 30 deadline.
Cannabis jobs and licensees
The commission reported that approximately 60 jobs have been created by cannabis licensees across the Commonwealth.
Currently, the sector includes:
Producers (8): CannaBlyss, CannaSaipan, Da Dankery, Elevated Minds, Max Farms, Primo Farms, Saipan Select, and Top Shelf
Processors (2): [Names not listed]
Retailers (7, mostly in Garapan): CannaBlyss, CannaSaipan, High Grade Dispensary, Saipan Select, Smoke Weed Me, The Green Room (420 Dispensary), and The Hook Up
Lounges (2): [Names not listed]
Several license categories remain vacant, including testing, wholesale, and research.
Looking ahead
The commission plans to finalize marijuana waste disposal regulations, expand compliance outreach, and onboard enforcement staff for Tinian and Rota. Officials say these steps are part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight and support sustainable growth in the CNMI cannabis sector.
