The bill has yet to be assigned a number but Torres, Ind.-Saipan, urged Speaker Eli D. Cabrera, R-Saipan, to refer it to an appropriate committee.
In a speech during yesterday’s session, Torres said the legalization, regulation and taxation of cannabis in the CNMI will result in “the best marijuana law in America.”
His measure, Torres added, is “scientifically and socially driven to help the CNMI people live better and safely.”
The CNMI, he said, should end the “endless war against marijuana.”
“The time has come to decriminalize marijuana to the lowest level of misdemeanor crime that can be committed within our commonwealth,” Torres said.
He said restricting marijuana use has pushed people to commit violent crimes.
The absence of restrictions, he added, will greatly diminish the serious crimes associated with marijuana,
The supply of marijuana could meet its demand, virtually destroying the motivation to steal it, kill for it or carry illegal firearms to protect it and cause dangerous situations, Torres said.
He said marijuana has not been approved by the Food and Drugs Administration but “please consider the high cost of FDA-approved drugs and some of their dangerous after effects.”
Marijuana, he added, is used successfully to help people with cancer, diabetes, glaucoma, AIDS, mental illness and other ailments.
His earlier marijuana bill was passed by the House but rejected by the Senate.
