Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Local marijuana advocacy groups are still conducting research on a possible proposal to legalize pot for recreational use in Guam.
However, Andrea Pellacani, president of Women Grow Guam and founder of Grassroots Guam, said prior to pursuing full legalization, she wants to "see how the community accepts medical cannabis."
Pellacani on Tuesday spoke to more than 30 members of the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay at the Pacific Star Resort & Spa in Tumon about cannabis and the latest news concerning the island's medical marijuana program.
Guam residents voted in November 2014 to legalize marijuana for medical use. The island's department of public health was charged with drafting rules for the program. Those rules are now in the hands of island lawmakers for approval.
Barnes' bills
On Thursday, Sen. Tina Muna Barnes introduced a bill that would reject the proposed rules. Barnes also introduced two other bills that would strengthen certain provisions in the current law and include stipulations on home cultivation of cannabis plants.
Advocates support the new legislative measures, Pellacani said.
"We're ecstatic," she said. "I'm still reviewing the amended statute at this time, but we feel very confident that the major changes are very strong and they're definitely beneficial."
During her presentation, Pellacani said access to medical marijuana would help more than 50,000 local residents who suffer from illnesses such as attention deficit disorder, cancer and diabetes.
According to research compiled by the organizations, Guam's illicit marijuana market is worth $26 million to $52 million. By integrating a regulated market through legalization, the island can use the money for education and drug addiction programs, Pellacani said.
Despite their work with policymaking, Pellacani said advocacy groups are refocusing their attention on the community by giving educational presentations to local organizations.
"We feel there's a lot of education that we still need to get out," she said. "There's a lot of misinformation out there about cannabis."
Advocacy organizations are also looking at data gathered from legalization efforts in the states and studying what people in those communities are concerned about, Pellacani said.
"We need to be able to reach out to the community, see what the community wants and how they feel about the cannabis program being developed," she said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Groups To Focus On Medical Marijuana Before Pursuit Of Recreational Use
Author: Allyson Chiu
Photo Credit: Rick Cruz
Website: Pacific Daily News
However, Andrea Pellacani, president of Women Grow Guam and founder of Grassroots Guam, said prior to pursuing full legalization, she wants to "see how the community accepts medical cannabis."
Pellacani on Tuesday spoke to more than 30 members of the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay at the Pacific Star Resort & Spa in Tumon about cannabis and the latest news concerning the island's medical marijuana program.
Guam residents voted in November 2014 to legalize marijuana for medical use. The island's department of public health was charged with drafting rules for the program. Those rules are now in the hands of island lawmakers for approval.
Barnes' bills
On Thursday, Sen. Tina Muna Barnes introduced a bill that would reject the proposed rules. Barnes also introduced two other bills that would strengthen certain provisions in the current law and include stipulations on home cultivation of cannabis plants.
Advocates support the new legislative measures, Pellacani said.
"We're ecstatic," she said. "I'm still reviewing the amended statute at this time, but we feel very confident that the major changes are very strong and they're definitely beneficial."
During her presentation, Pellacani said access to medical marijuana would help more than 50,000 local residents who suffer from illnesses such as attention deficit disorder, cancer and diabetes.
According to research compiled by the organizations, Guam's illicit marijuana market is worth $26 million to $52 million. By integrating a regulated market through legalization, the island can use the money for education and drug addiction programs, Pellacani said.
Despite their work with policymaking, Pellacani said advocacy groups are refocusing their attention on the community by giving educational presentations to local organizations.
"We feel there's a lot of education that we still need to get out," she said. "There's a lot of misinformation out there about cannabis."
Advocacy organizations are also looking at data gathered from legalization efforts in the states and studying what people in those communities are concerned about, Pellacani said.
"We need to be able to reach out to the community, see what the community wants and how they feel about the cannabis program being developed," she said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Groups To Focus On Medical Marijuana Before Pursuit Of Recreational Use
Author: Allyson Chiu
Photo Credit: Rick Cruz
Website: Pacific Daily News
