Regardless of what will happen to a bill that would legalize the use of cannabis in the CNMI, the Board of Education wants cannabis out of all public schools.<\/p>\n
The board, in last week\u2019s board meeting, voted 5-0 to request the Legislature to uphold the ban of cannabis use by their staff who serve in safety-sensitive positions.<\/p>\n
The sentiment was embodied in the board\u2019s written comments that were submitted to the House Judicial and Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Ivan A. Blanco (R-Saipan), on Senate Bill 20-62 SS1.<\/p>\n
S.B. 20-62, introduced by Sen. Sixto K. Igisomar (R-Saipan), aims to regulate cannabis use\u2014both medicinal and recreational\u2014in the CNMI. It passed the Senate but was referred back to JGO because of revenue-generating provisions.<\/p>\n
The BOE wants the bill amended to include the following provisions: Prohibit marijuana on all campuses and PSS buildings under all circumstances and exempt PSS from the prohibition on employees discriminating against employees for marijuana use.<\/p>\n
BOE legal counsel Tiberius Mocanu said PSS should be exempted from the prohibition on employers discriminating against pot use, \u201cthat we should be able to not hire or to fire people for marijuana use.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSafety-sensitive positions, like bus drivers and teachers, need to be sober when performing their duties. We are also not allowing it on campuses, even in varying circumstances, including prescription,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
S.B. 20-62 had the same experience as the NMI Workforce Act or the CW1 bill in the U.S. Congress, as it also needed to be re-introduced in the House as there are revenue-generating sections. The U.S. Constitution requires all revenue-generating measures to come from the U.S. House.<\/p>\n
BOE chair MaryLou S. Ada said they are glad PSS was given the chance to submit their comments. \u201cWe discussed it with the governor [Ralph DLG Torres]. \u2026[Our comments] will be included exactly as to the amendments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ada, in written comments submitted early this month, said the BOE believes that the recreational use of marijuana should barred within PSS. \u201cOur students face any number of obstacles to receiving an education. Whether it be a student\u2019s home life, poverty, or access to resources, our children need to navigate distraction and disadvantage.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe legalization of marijuana for recreational use will both be a distraction and disadvantage. However, it seems that the Legislature has already decided it will legalize marijuana in one form or another. Consequently, this letter, which seeks amendments to the current bill, is not an endorsement of legalization, but is written against the backdrop of the existing political reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
She reminded that PSS receives federal funding and is covered by drug-free workplace laws. \u201cIt is simply a bad idea to allow students and teachers to consume and possess marijuana on campus. Since smoking would still be prohibited on campus, the only form of consumption that would be permitted would be oils and edibles.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is of the utmost importance that PSS not lose its federal funding. The funding pays for infrastructure, books, and Title I teachers. This bill places the funding in jeopardy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is imperative that our bus drivers are never under the influence of drugs when they drive our children to school. It is necessary that our teachers are sharp and prepared\u201d when they hold classes.<\/p>\n
Ada is also understandably concerned about legalization\u2019s impact on PSS students.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents who have prescription could easily share their marijuana snacks with those that do not, or worse yet, sell to their fellow classmates. This would cause immeasurable harm to PSS\u2019 ability to educate our students and to maintain a safe and orderly campus,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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