RB supports bill to limit cannabis manufacturing to certain zoning districts

Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” B. Camacho has publicly voiced his support for House Local Bill 23-45 which essentially limits cannabis manufacturing and processing to certain zoning district similar to poker and e-gaming zoning laws.

Last Tuesday, the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation had its fourth regular session where Rep. John Paul Sablan (Ind-Saipan) introduced HLB 23-45 “to allow cannabis manufacturing and processing for conditional use within certain zoning districts.”

During the SNILD session, Camacho took the stand voicing his support for the bill if its intent is similar to poker zoning laws.

“Let’s take a look at this and see how we can make it identical to the Poker zoning laws. Away from school zones, and away from residential areas. If that’s the intent of this bill, I support that,” he said.

The bill has been referred to the Standing Committee of Zoning.

According to the House Local Bill, pursuant to CNMI Public Law 20-66 3 (Taulamwaar Sensible CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018), as amended, the Commonwealth Cannabis Commission is responsible for regulating the Cannabis Industry within the Commonwealth.

Furthermore, they are authorized to issue licenses related to the processing and/or manufacturing of marijuana items.

Meanwhile, the Saipan Zoning Office is responsible for overseeing all zoning districts within the island of Saipan.

Pursuant to Section 404, Table l of 9 the Saipan Zoning Law of 2013, as amended, such table indicates the types of uses and which districts where such uses can be done.

Cognizant of the enactment of CNMI Public Law 20-66, as amended, the bill states it would be appropriate to amend Section 404, Table 1 of the Saipan Zoning Law, as amended, to allow for cannabis manufacturing and processing to be done in certain zoning districts to provide great economic opportunity to the Third Senatorial District.

“Due to the present economic state of our Commonwealth, the delegation finds that it would be of utmost importance to provide additional financial avenues that can greatly benefit our senatorial district. Therefore, the purpose of this act is to allow for cannabis manufacturing and processing for conditional use within certain zoning districts and for other purposes,” HLB 23-45 states.

Specifically, the amendment proposed is to allow conditional use of cannabis manufacturing and processing within rural, village commercial, mixed commercial, and industrial zoning districts.

Ramon “RB” B. Camacho