Medical marijuana
There is significant public support in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for the legalization of medical marijuana. Despite unnecessary delays in making these changes, it is widely accepted that we are close to achieving legal reforms.
U.S. states and territories have inconsistent lists as to what illnesses qualify for medical marijuana. While some illnesses may be highlighted in a law, medical marijuana should be legally available for all patients with debilitating medical conditions that a licensed physician determines may benefit from it.
Additionally, the CNMI welcomes many tourists as well as locals visiting home who now reside in U.S. states and territories that allow for medical marijuana. Any law implemented in the CNMI should recognize the validity of medical marijuana cards issued through other jurisdictions.
Cost is also a major factor. Any dispensary prices should be capped at $150 per ounce and patients should be allowed to grow their own medicine, or have a caregiver do it for them.
Eric Hafner
Toms River, New Jersey
as if CNMI doesnt have enough problems with alcoholic beverages, ICE, cocaine, and beetlenut, lets add some more drugs that everyone can get their hands on.