Guam Approves First ‘Responsible Official’ Cannabis ID Cards

Guam cannabis regulators have approved the island’s first credentials for its adult-use cannabis industry, the Pacific Daily News reports. The Cannabis Control Board today approved the “responsible official” cannabis identification cards for David Cruz, from Pacific Cultivation, and Stephen Roberto, from Green Flash Guam. 

Revenue and Tax Director Dafne Mansapit Shimizu, who also serves as the vice chairwoman of the cannabis board, told the News that businesses must still obtain cannabis establishment licenses, operating permits, and a cannabis business license before the businesses can start in earnest.  

Cannabis businesses can’t receive a license or an operating permit unless there is a government-approved “responsible official” in charge, and businesses will need government-approved “designated transporters” to move cannabis and cannabis products throughout the island. The U.S. territory is using Metrc as its seed-to-sale tracking system.

Guam legalized adult-use cannabis in 2019 and the industry rules and regulations took effect on May 29. Regulators began accepting applications for responsible official identification cards in August.

Currently, adults 21-and-older can grow, possess, and consume cannabis but it is illegal to sell it or trade it for anything of value unless the transaction is conducted by a licensed and permitted cannabis business. There are licenses for cultivators, manufacturers, testing labs, and retail stores; however, residents are barred from owning more than one type of cannabis business license.