Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island
SUMMARY: Governor Ralph Torres signed legislation into law in September 2018 legalizing the use and retail sale of cannabis. House and Senate lawmakers in August had previously approved the measure by a vote of 24 to 1. the The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island (CNMI) is a US territory of approximately 54,000 people. Under the new law, those over the age of 21 will be permitted to possess and grow personal use quantities of cannabis, and obtain cannabis-infused products such as tinctures and extracts from licensed retailers. Commercial marijuana cultivation is subject to a 10 percent excise tax. Those under 21 years of age who suffer from a qualifying medical condition will also be legally permitted to access cannabis. Public cannabis consumption, along with the use of marijuana while in the presence of a minor, is subject to civil penalty. A five-member commission, to be appointed within 30 days of the law’s enactment, will oversee implementation of the new law. The commission must adopt rules to implement the program within 180 days of its initial organizational meeting.
INFORMATION: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Cannabis Commission