Bill Would Scrap Medical Marijuana Rules

Katelyn Baker

Well-Known Member
Nearly two years after a majority of Guam voters decided to legalize medicinal marijuana, one senator is proposing to reject the rules and regulations that took months to draft, prepare and review.

Sen. Tina Muña Barnes on Thursday introduced Bill 345-33 to disapprove the proposed rules for the Joaquin "KC" Concepcion II Compassionate Cannabis Use Act of 2013. She also introduced two other measures proposing to specifically include home cultivation in the Compassionate Cannabis Use Act and repeal and re-enact the measure to "strengthen" some provisions.

In Bill 345, Barnes says the definitions in the rules need to be clarified and the act needs to include necessary provisions for safety measures, among other concerns. Lawmakers would need to make additional amendments to address these issues.

Barnes proposes to disapprove the rules and regulations to avoid a default approval. Under the Administrative Adjudication Law, the proposed rules and regulations would go into effect if no action is taken within 90 days.

In Bill 343-33, Barnes proposes several amendments to the original act. One amendment is under the definition of a "primary caregiver," originally someone at least 18 years old. Barnes suggests amending it so a caregiver must at least be 21 years old.

Bill 344-33 seeks to include home cultivation as an option for patients approved to use medical marijuana.

The legislation would allow qualified patients to cultivate six plants at home. The plants would have to be stored away from public view, and a permit would be needed - limited to one permit per dwelling. Marijuana couldn't be cultivated in common areas, and landlords would reserve the right to restrict cannabis cultivation on their property. Also, marijuana couldn't be cultivated in drug-free school zones.

The bill also would prohibit qualified patients and caregivers from distributing medical cannabis to another qualifying patient.

Barnes' bills come eight days after Sen. Dennis Rodriguez Jr. sent a letter encouraging her to reject the rules and regulations for medical marijuana use.

Rodriguez wrote that the draft rules contain contradictory definitions and language, and notes numerous concerns about cultivation and dispensing the cannabis.

"I wish to ensure that the final rules and regulations to be enacted are as solidly grounded so as not to create future impediments requiring legislative mitigation," Rodriguez wrote. "We have enough hurdles to jump as it is without our creating additional ones."

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News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bill Would Scrap Medical Marijuana Rules
Author: Jasmine Stole
Contact: Pacific Daily News
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