Lawmakers weigh in on home cultivation of marijuana

John O'Connor

The Post contacted senators and asked about their thoughts on home cultivation of medical marijuana. Here are their responses:

Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz
"People who are sick or suffering should be given the medicine they need. That decision should be left to patients and their doctors. If home cultivation is safe, responsible and medically necessary – I support it."

Sen. Brant McCreadie
"I am open to hearing all suggestions ... on how we can properly and safely execute the provisions of the Joaquin ('KC') Concepcion II Compassionate Cannabis Use Act. It is our responsibility as a legislature to finally come to a solution. Our suffering family members and loved ones are depending on us to see to it that they will be able to relieve their stress and pain soon."

Sen. Tommy Morrison
"While I support any serious effort to reduce the bureaucracy involved in getting patients the treatment and care they need, it must be ensured, as much as possible, that Bill 344 or any similar measure, does not inadvertently provide opportunities for illegal use. Moreover ... we must ensure that Guam has the capacity in the areas of social services, law enforcement, etc., to protect against misuse and illegal use."

Sen. Thomas Ada
"I would not support home cultivation of marijuana at this time. We need to focus on getting in place the necessary rules and regulations that will provide the foundation for a medical marijuana program. ... After we have overcome the hurdle to allow for the use of medical marijuana, then we can progress to considerations for recreational marijuana, and home cultivation."

Sen. Mary Torres
"There isn’t much data on the results of grow-your-own policies across the nation, and it is estimated that less than 1 percent of medical marijuana users actually grow their own product. ... While I’m not opposed to legalizing home cultivation for medicinal use, I doubt Guam has the wherewithal to regulate it. When production exceeds the prescribed quantity for the patient’s need, allowing home cultivation for personal consumption will make it harder to enforce laws against home cultivation for profit."

Sen. V. Anthony Ada
"I am not completely opposed to home cultivation of medicinal cannabis, but I have serious concerns over whether adequate controls could exist. I'm not convinced that the provisions of the existing proposal to allow home cultivation are sufficient in this regard."

Sen. Nerissa Underwood
"I am for allowing home cultivation provided that there are strict guidelines and permitting. Furthermore, it should be limited to one household and there should be strict penalties for distribution."

Sen. James Espaldon said he could not provide comment at this time. Speaker Judi Won Pat stated that she would provide comment at a later time.