Pubdate: Tue, 12 Aug 2014
Source: Marianas Variety (US MP)
Copyright: 2014 Marianas Variety
Contact:  http://www.mvariety.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4642
Author: Richelle Agpoon-Cabang

ONLINE GROUP FOUNDER WEIGHS IN ON MARIJUANA INITIATIVE

THE founder of the island's online marijuana legalization group, 
Kelvin Rodeo, is concerned about retired teacher Ambrose Bennett's 
proposal to submit a legislative initiative to lawmakers.

A legislative initiative must be passed by three-fourths of the 
members of each house, present and voting. It does not require the 
governor's approval but must be ratified by voters.

"If we want it to pass, we need to, first of all, really ramp up our 
local efforts to educate the voters of the CNMI about the truth and 
benefits of cannabis," Rodeo said.

Last month, Bennett said he had drafted the Marijuana Sunshine Act to 
legalize the cultivation, sale and use of marijuana in designated 
areas on island.

Bennett is hoping to get the support of Rodeo's group.

Two years ago, the House passed H.B. 17-45 which was introduced by 
Rep. Stanley T. Torres to allow people at least 21 years old to 
"possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use."

It also proposed to permit the regulation and taxation of the 
commercial production and sale of marijuana to people at least 21 years old.

But the measure was rejected by the Senate.

Rodeo, who was born on island but now lives in California, said he 
began supporting marijuana legalization following the death of a 
family member who could have benefited from the medical use of marijuana.

Rodeo's online group, Citizens for the Legalization of Cannabis in 
the CNMI, continues its discussion on the benefits of medical marijuana.

Four members were added to the group since last month.

For more information, go to 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLC.CNMI/. To take part in the 
discussions, visit https://www.facebook.com/TokingPointsCLCC/.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom