Palacios, Hofschneider re-appointed to Cannabis Commission, Demapan re-appointed to SHEFA
Jose Borja Palacios and Journie M. Hofschneider were re-appointed to serve on the CNMI Cannabis Commission board, while Kaelani B. Demapan was re-appointed to serve on the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance board.
Regarding Palacios’ re-appointment, if confirmed by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, the nominee, who will represent Saipan and Northern Islands on the Cannabis Commission board, will serve a four-year term which will expire on Sept. 11, 2027.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios has informed SNILD chair Rep. John Paul P. Sablan (Ind-Saipan) that he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang are confident that Jose Palacios will devote his time and efforts to carry out the regulatory mandates of the Cannabis Commission for the successful implementation and enforcement of the Taulamwarr Sensible Cannabis Act of 2018.
With respect to Hofschneider, Tinian and Aguiguan Mayor Edwin P. Aldan has informed Tinian and Aguiguan Legislative Delegation chair Sen. Karl R. King-Nabors (R-Tinian) that he is re-appointing her to serve her second term as a member of the CNMI Cannabis Commission representing Tinian and Aguiguan.
Aldan said Hofschneider, a resident of Tinian, has demonstrated significant experience dealing with the cannabis industry.
The mayor said Hofschneider’s journey in the cannabis industry began in Canada where she was employed by the Canada government, at a time when the cannabis industry was newly introduced.
Aldan said while employed by the government of Canada, Hofschneider assisted with the implementation and enforcement of cannabis to ensure that it meets the government’s objective of legalizing marijuana.
The mayor said when the CNMI legalized the commercialization and recreational adult use of cannabis in September 2018 through the enactment of Public Law 20-66, the Taulamwaar Sensible CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018, Hofschneider was the first qualified individual from Tinian to serve on the CNMI Cannabis Commission.
Aldan said upon her confirmation to serve on the CNMI Cannabis Commission board, Hofschneider assisted the Commission in launching the commercial licenses and non-commercial homegrown permit.
The mayor believes that if Hofschneider is given the opportunity to serve again, she will continue to provide valuable insight and knowledge to assist the commission reach its goals and objectives moving forward.
Pertaining to Demapan’s re-appointment, if confirmed by the SNILD, the nominee, whose term with SHEFA board expired last Sept. 1, will serve an additional term of two years.
Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Jose Blas Camacho has informed SNILD chair Sablan that he is confident that Demapan is highly qualified and will work on strengthening the SHEFA’s goals and mission to provide residents the financial assistance needed in pursuing a higher education.
Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan
Ramon “RB” B. Camacho
