The CNMI Board of Education fears that legalizing the medicinal and recreational use of cannabis on the islands could lead to a loss in its annual federal funding since marijuana remains illegal in the federal government\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n
In a letter dated Aug. 15, 2018, addressed to Senate President Arnold I. Palacios (R-Saipan), BOE chair Marylou Ada stated the board\u2019s opposition to legalizing cannabis in the CNMI due to federal regulations governing schools.<\/p>\n
She noted that, according to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, state educational agencies such as the Public School System, must maintain \u201cdrug-free schools\u201d as a condition for federal funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis bill, in its current form, prohibits the possession or use of marijuana on school campuses, unless the person has a \u2018valid recommendation for marijuana issued by a physician in the Commonwealth to engage in the use of marijuana,\u2019\u201d Ada noted, citing the legislation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is unacceptable. Allowing marijuana on campus would put our federal grants in jeopardy. As federal grantees of the Department of Education, among other agencies, PSS must pledge that it will maintain a drug-free workplace and campus. If marijuana is allowed on campus, with or without a prescription, we will be in violation of our grants,\u201d said Ada.<\/p>\n
Federal funding provides about half of the total PSS budget. <\/p>\n
The Senate passed House Bill 20-178, HD4 yesterday afternoon with a vote of sixfor and two abstentions and one absence.<\/p>\n
Federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Agency still considers cannabis as a Schedule I drug, along with heroine, lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD, ecstasy, and even psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is of the utmost importance that PSS not lose its federal funding. That funding pays for infrastructure, books, and Title I teachers. This bill places that funding in jeopardy. Consequently, the BOE maintains its objection to the legalization of marijuana both medicinally and recreationally,\u201d Ada wrote.<\/p>\n
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