Legislation set to be introduced in Guam would force policymakers to implement the 2014 voter-approved medical cannabis laws, which stalled due to complications developing the rules and regulations, according to a Guam Daily Post report. The measure, introduced by Sen. Joe San Agustin, would set the license fees for manufacturers and cultivators at $1,000, while dispensaries and testing facilities would not be charged.
The legislation is necessary as the original medical cannabis bill did not include regulations allowing the Department of Revenue and Taxation to create business licenses, and an amendment last year to the law only pushed the Public Health Department to start the process of distributing license applications.
The move comes as Gov. Eddie Calvo considers legalizing adult cannabis use on the U.S. territory – however, due to unease regarding federal policies Calvo might pull legalization plans in favor of a home-grow measure, the Pacific Daily News reports. Under the legalization plan, sales would be taxed and the funds would be used to help sustain Guam’s medical cannabis regime.
“The governor’s bill is something that can work, but if it can’t because of the president’s crackdown, then we want to be able to allow home cultivation,” Troy Torres, Adelup special policy advisor said in the Daily News report.
Last term, Calvo vetoed a home-grow bill because he believed it was over-regulated.