THE House of Representatives should join the Senate revenue panel instead of passing the marijuana legalization bill, says Senate President Paul A. Manglona.
He is opposed to the measure, which is now in the Senate.
Manglona, Ind.-Rota, said he understands that the CNMI is facing economic hardship, but that œdoes not mean we will place our kids at risk.
He said the Senate, which has formed a Tax Policy Enforcement Review Committee, will instead propose other revenue-generating measures.
According to Manglona, there are still œ99 things the Legislature can come up with to help the CNMI economy bounce back without legalizing marijuana,
Rep. Teresita A. Santos, Ind.-Rota, said because the people of her island œoverwhelmingly opposed it, she voted against the marijuana bill.
Santos also noted the concerns of the Public School System, the Department of Public Health and the Department of Public Safety which may lose millions of dollars in annual federal grants if the bill becomes law.
œIt is my strong belief that we cannot afford to jeopardize the lives of our children and future generations by passing this highly controversial bill let alone losing millions of federal funds for education, safety and welfare of our children and general public, Santos said.
Concerns
Some local residents interviewed by the Variety opposed the passage of House Bill 17-47 which was introduced by Rep. Stanley T. Torres, Ind.-Saipan.
A Kagman resident, who questioned not to be identified, said she will try to find ways to convince the Senate to œkill the bill.
œIf this goes too far, I dont care if I have so many relatives who are involved in this. If this bill is passed through the Senate and touches our children and affects their education, I will do everything in my power to reverse the enactment of the marijuana law.
Kagman resident Luis L. Pangelinan supports the bill " sort of.
œIn my opinion, Im fine with the bill. I support the bill because now people will not have to hide their plants from the local authorities. The only issue that I am concerned about are the children. If marijuana is made more accessible, it can land in the hands of any child.
Another Kagman resident, Jonathan B. Pangelinan, agrees.
œYes, we hope that children and anyone under 21 will stay away from [marijuana] once its legalized. But look at how things are nowadays. Even though marijuana is illegal people are still using it. Especially minors. Its the same with cigarettes. Ive seen children casually buy cigarettes from various retail stores. If the bill permits regular marijuana production and sale, these retail stores can get a hold of the marijuana and sell it to the minors as easily as theyve been selling tobacco. The bill has to be really thought through. I just hope that if it is passed that it will be handled securely and efficiently.
Another resident, who declined to be identified, said œthe last thing we need are more problems with addicts and illegal use of narcotics. We dont need another epidemic on Saipan. . As it stands in the U.S., any fool that presents a piece of paper that says it certifies that John Doe is registered and prescribed marijuana for personal use can get away with it. It is out of control and can be found in schools, workplaces, gambling establishments, hotels, jails etc. No one can say it will be controlled. No one can give that assurance and guarantee that it will work for the CNMI. It will only bring us down. Making havoc and addicts is what this will certainly do. And that is a guarantee. Open the eyes of those legislators that voted for this bill. Nothing excellent can come out of this.
Instead of moving forward and trying to build what small is left of the dwindling economy, they prefer to smoke away what they cannot guarantee but can stuff in their pockets. Marijuana is not excellent business for the government and not excellent for the economy and the people of the CNMI.
Article source: http://www.mvariety.com/2010110731743/local-news/senate-president-no-to-pot-bill.php
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