Respicio made the inquiry after a judge gave a lenient sentence to Walter Eugene Stiernagle who was caught growing 760 marijuana plants on his farm.
Stiernagle, who had a prior drug conviction, said he used marijuana to prevent epileptic seizures.
The judge sentenced Stiernagle to a day in jail and four months of house arrest.
In his letter, Respicio quoted federal prosecutor Fred Black as saying that if there was a local law allowing patients to use medicinal marijuana that it would be “unlikely” that there would be any prosecutions on Guam since they would follow the policies of the Obama administration.
He also said they would rather focus on more dangerous drugs threatening Guam like “ice.”
Respicio is the author of Bill 423, or the “Compassionate Heath Care Act of 2010,” which will authorize and regulate the use of medicinal cannabis by licensed physicians to patients with debilitating medical conditions.
It will also create cannabis dispensaries, or “Compassionate Care Centers.”
Respicio wrote a similar letter earlier this year to Dr. James Hastings, director of the Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System.
Hastings confirmed that “should Guam pass medical Marijuana legislation the VA will comply.”
“I would appreciate confirmation that Mr. Black has properly stated your current policy on the use of medical marijuana, as regulated by respective local governments,” Respicio told Limtiaco.
He said her confirmation would be “great news for both veterans and civilians afflicted with debilitating conditions.”
“This would be good for Guam as well, as we continue to fight for equal treatment as loyal American citizens, who deserve no less than that which is afforded to our brothers and sisters in the 50 states,” Respicio said.
