He's had his personal
biases in the past over medicinal marijuana, but Governor Eddie Calvo
says Guam now has good reason to undertake this change with Bill 8.
Special Assistant Eric Palacios read testimony on behalf of the
Governor, announcing, "For decades the use of self-cannabis has been
illegal. It's illicit use, frowned upon as a harbinger of the moral
decade of our society."
The Cannabis Control Act was introduced earlier this year by Governor Calvo. The bill would regulate the use, production, sales and taxation of cannabis and declassify marijuana as a Schedule one controlled substance. "The law is meant to provide order and to protect life and property, so if the people discern that an adult's use of cannabis causing no harm or inconvenience to the life and property of another if within the order of society, then prohibition now is unconnected to the meaning of the law. The consumption of cannabis therefore should be an adult's choice that involves only the person's conscience and health."
Essentially, Adelup says this bill would treat cannabis like alcohol- you have to be at least 21 years old, drivers may not be high while driving, and employers may structure workplace policy to preclude cannabis use.
The Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency's acting chief, Major Phillip Taijeron, says he supports the will of the people. While they still have a responsibility to its federal counterparts, he outlined anticipated affects such an increase of canine detection teams and encounters at the borders and delayed movement of passengers. "The passage of Bill 8 will decriminalize cannabis possession and current procedures will be affected. Increased encounters may require hiring of more customs officers to accommodate increased detections at the border associated with cannabis related offenses."
He adds that his agency will be required to development standard operating procedures with federal law enforcement partners and the US Attorney General's Office to determine appropriate course of action. As for community stakeholders like former school teacher and counselor Belinda Snyder, she's against recreational use even saying it's inorganic.
Belinda Snyder added, "They say, children first, but it's the opposite, it's not about our protection and our safety, but dollar signs written all over the wall," adding, "I am a taxpayer and I can say in the future, the government might be sued for even allowing such a bill."
Others like Megan Macalonis feel people need to get past their fear of marijuana, offering, "And another reason why I support recreational instead of the just medicinal is to make sure we include everyone even if they're not diagnosed with a medicinal problem, marijuana can still help them as a healing plan."
And for Lisa Bordallo, she believes cannabis is a safer alternative to the "destructive drugs" taking over the island. "For myself and for my family, I would prefer they if they choose to medicate themselves, they do it holistically with a natural plan that possesses proven medical and therapeutic benefits and is non-toxic," she stated.
Bordallo educated herself on cannabis through Grassroots Guam. Managing partner Andrea Pellacani testified saying the trends show the legalization of cannabis for medical and personal use does not increase access to minors but in fact significantly decreases illicit drug use.
The Cannabis Control Act was introduced earlier this year by Governor Calvo. The bill would regulate the use, production, sales and taxation of cannabis and declassify marijuana as a Schedule one controlled substance. "The law is meant to provide order and to protect life and property, so if the people discern that an adult's use of cannabis causing no harm or inconvenience to the life and property of another if within the order of society, then prohibition now is unconnected to the meaning of the law. The consumption of cannabis therefore should be an adult's choice that involves only the person's conscience and health."
Essentially, Adelup says this bill would treat cannabis like alcohol- you have to be at least 21 years old, drivers may not be high while driving, and employers may structure workplace policy to preclude cannabis use.
The Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency's acting chief, Major Phillip Taijeron, says he supports the will of the people. While they still have a responsibility to its federal counterparts, he outlined anticipated affects such an increase of canine detection teams and encounters at the borders and delayed movement of passengers. "The passage of Bill 8 will decriminalize cannabis possession and current procedures will be affected. Increased encounters may require hiring of more customs officers to accommodate increased detections at the border associated with cannabis related offenses."
He adds that his agency will be required to development standard operating procedures with federal law enforcement partners and the US Attorney General's Office to determine appropriate course of action. As for community stakeholders like former school teacher and counselor Belinda Snyder, she's against recreational use even saying it's inorganic.
Belinda Snyder added, "They say, children first, but it's the opposite, it's not about our protection and our safety, but dollar signs written all over the wall," adding, "I am a taxpayer and I can say in the future, the government might be sued for even allowing such a bill."
Others like Megan Macalonis feel people need to get past their fear of marijuana, offering, "And another reason why I support recreational instead of the just medicinal is to make sure we include everyone even if they're not diagnosed with a medicinal problem, marijuana can still help them as a healing plan."
And for Lisa Bordallo, she believes cannabis is a safer alternative to the "destructive drugs" taking over the island. "For myself and for my family, I would prefer they if they choose to medicate themselves, they do it holistically with a natural plan that possesses proven medical and therapeutic benefits and is non-toxic," she stated.
Bordallo educated herself on cannabis through Grassroots Guam. Managing partner Andrea Pellacani testified saying the trends show the legalization of cannabis for medical and personal use does not increase access to minors but in fact significantly decreases illicit drug use.
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