The governor of Guam has signed into law a bill that legalizes the recreational use of marijuana on the U.S. island territory.

The Pacific Daily News reports Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed the bill Thursday — a week after the Guam Legislature narrowly passed the legislation that allows people, age 21 and older, to possess up to an 1 ounce (28 grams).

The law also allows adults to grow up to six plants for personal use.

People won't be able to legally purchase marijuana until regulations are developed by the new Cannabis Control Board and approved by the Legislature.

The board has up to year to form the rules. The law tasks the nine-member board with overseeing cannabis testing, manufacturing and licensing. </s> Guam's Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero (D) on Thursday signed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana in the territory into law.

The law allows people over 21 to have up to an ounce of marijuana in their possession, according to Pacific Daily News. Adults will also be permitted to grow six marijuana plants, but for the time being will not be permitted to buy or sell marijuana.

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"We must regulate this illicit drug that is the most widely used drug in our society," Leon Guerrero reportedly said at a press conference. "We have to take it and control it, monitor its use and effects, benefit from its medicinal efforts, allow our people to live in a safer environment."

"Keeping it illegal in my mind rejects the motion that it exists and that the underground market will continue to prey on us. We have to be ahead of this and we have to control it," she added.

The law also creates a Cannabis Control Board that will be tasked with the drug's testing, manufacturing, licensing, packaging and production. The board has a year to create marijuana regulations, which have to be approved by lawmakers. </s> While some adult use of cannabis is now legal on island, government of Guam employees are still subject to drug testing and disciplinary actions, including termination from their jobs for marijuana use, according to Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero.

GovGuam drug testing will continue to include testing for marijuana use, the governor said. The law also allows private employers to maintain drug-free workplaces.

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Attorney General Leevin Camacho Friday afternoon held a press conference to discuss some of the issues related to the impact of the new marijuana law. He said his office is consulting with law enforcement officials in other jurisdictions with legalized recreational marijuana to learn from their experience.

“Just to be clear, we would say best practice would be to review your employment policies, but this law hasn’t changed it with respect to government employees. And the law’s also very specific that private employers can still do whatever they need to do,” Camacho said.

The governor said public safety personnel such as police, fire and corrections officers are still prohibited from consuming cannabis products.

The policy against marijuana use remains a part of GovGuam's Drug-Free Workplace Program, and the signing of the recreational marijuana use legalization law does not change that, the governor said.

However, the governor tasked the Department of Administration to review the program and make recommendations as it deems necessary, in light of the new law.

"It is the policy of the government of Guam to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace, and this policy includes refraining from otherwise legal substances, including cannabis and tobacco, while in government of Guam workplace facilities and while otherwise on duty," the governor said in her latest executive order.

Leon Guerrero on Thursday signed into law Sen. Clynt Ridgell's bill legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults.

"Government employees, while acting in their official capacities, may not possess, consume or otherwise be under the influence of any derivation of cannabis," the governor said in her April 4 transmittal letter to Speaker Tina Muña Barnes.

On the same day, the governor also issued an executive order and a circular to clarify that GovGuam remains a drug-free workplace.

Newly signed Public Law 35-5 specifically allows employers, such as GovGuam, to maintain drug- and alcohol-free workplaces. The governor said this may include the prohibition of use of marijuana.

"The government of Guam's employees, including those in the autonomous agencies, should be held to the highest degree of accountability because of the trusted nature of public service," the governor said.

The new law allows those at least 21 years old to possess up to an ounce of marijuana.

Adults can grow no more than six plants for their personal use, but people still won’t be able to legally buy or sell marijuana until rules are finalized by a board within the year and approved by the Legislature.

GovGuam's Drug-Free Workplace Program provides for procedures for testing, rehabilitation and discipline of its employees who use drugs in the workplace or while in their official capacities.

The governor's April 4 circular to all department and agency heads further clarifies that despite the new law, GovGuam's policy against cannabis use "remains unchanged."

"In short, employees of both line and autonomous agencies can be tested for cannabis and will still be subject to all of the potential disciplinary actions. This includes termination from employment," the governor wrote.

She said employees who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol "are less productive, inefficient and make poor work decisions."

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The governor ordered DOA, which maintains GovGuam's Drug-Free Workplace Program, to review the program in light of the recreational marijuana use law.

DOA is tasked to seek input from the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, the Department of Public Health and Social Services, the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities, and the Guam Veterans Affairs Office which conducting the review.

The governor said DOA may also request input from all other GovGuam agencies.

DOA is required to report its findings in written form no later than Oct. 1.

Since the 1970s, Guam has joined in the "war on drugs" in an effort to eradicate controlled substances from the community. But the method, the governor said, "has done little other than to drive the black market further underground."

The governor, who's about to mark her third month on the job, said legalizing some recreational marijuana use by adults provides a more productive approach.

"It allows the government to regulate and insert controls so that adults can consume cannabis product safely. More importantly, the law strengthens and finances our efforts to provide preventative education and effective treatments," she said.

The governor said the youth shall not and will not be allowed to access cannabis.

Anyone under the age of 21 and found to be in violation of the law or anyone caught providing access of cannabis to underage individuals will be penalized.

The governor said the courts will continue to restrict people on conditions of release, probation, and parole supervision from possession and use of cannabis.

"Only law-abiding adults – who already must make responsible decisions on whether or

 not to consume alcohol or tobacco products – will be afforded another choice: whether or not to consume cannabis products," the governor said in her letter to the speaker.

The governor said the new law is "far from the perfect piece of legislation," so her administration is committing to fulfilling the requirements to regulate the cannabis industry.

She said her administration will also actively work with the Legislature to ensure that the law on safe adult use of cannabis remains current and relevant for Guam.

Before making her decision to legalize recreational marijuana use, Leon Guerrero met with those who oppose and support the bill. Those who are against it continue to let their concerns be heard.

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"The war on keeping drugs and substance abuse away from our children just lost major ground. And we are our own worst enemies," Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes said in a statement hours after the law's signing.

He said the Archdiocese of Agaña stands by its position that the legalization of recreational marijuana will be very harmful to the island, especially the children.

"We are saddened by the decision of Governor Lou Leon Guerrero to approve Bill 32 and sign it into law. We urge as she said today, for all groups in our community to devote tremendous effort and attention to protecting our youth from this illicit drug, which we all agree many of them are already regularly ingesting," the archbishop wrote.

Reporter Haidee Eugenio covers Guam's Catholic church issues, government, business and more. Follow her on Twitter @haidee_eugenio. Follow Pacific Daily News on Facebook/GuamPDN and Instagram @guampdn. </s> The governor of Guam has signed into law recreational use of marijuana on the U.S. island territory.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed the bill Thursday — a week after the Legislature narrowly passed the legislation that allows people ages 21 and older to possess up to an ounce (28 grams), the Pacific Daily News reported .

"We must regulate this illicit drug that is the most widely used drug in our society," the governor said. "We have to take it and control it, monitor its use and effects, benefit from its medicinal efforts, allow our people to live in a safer environment."

People won't be able to legally purchase marijuana until regulations are developed by the new Cannabis Control Board and approved by the Legislature.

The board has up to year to form the rules. The law tasks the nine-member board with overseeing cannabis testing, manufacturing, licensing and packaging.

Guam also needs a cannabis testing facility before sales can begin, Sen. Clynt Ridgell said.

"This has been and continues to be a community issue, but the fight is not over yet," Ridgell said in a statement. "I invite the public to remain focused on continuing to provide input in the development of the rules and regulations by the Cannabis Control Board for safe, adult use cannabis."

The law allows growing as many as six plants for personal use. It prohibits people from using marijuana in public or driving under the influence.

Under the law, employers can still enforce drug-free workplaces.

"Nothing changes in the policies of our workplace as responsible businesses and agencies," the governor said. "We must continue to enforce zero-tolerance of substance abuse in the workplace." </s> MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) –Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is vetoing a bill that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state and is sending it back to the legislature with suggestions for changes.

The Republican governor said Wednesday he has concerns about public safety, children’s health and how to measure impaired drivers. Scott suggested legislators could make changes to address those concerns in a veto session in June.Scott is calling for more aggressive penalties for smoking pot while driving or using it in the presence of children.Under the legislation, small amounts of marijuana would have been legal to possess and grow for anyone over age 21.

Had Scott signed the bill, Vermont would have become the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana. The District of Columbia has also legalized it. </s> CHICAGO (WLS) -- A historic morning in Illinois as Governor Pritzker upholds his campaign promise, signing recreational marijuana, or the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act (CRTA) into law That means anyone 21 and over will soon be able to purchase and possess marijuana.Supporters say it will be a game-changer for revenue in the state, while opponents say it makes the state more dangerous.Tuesday morning, the governor put pen to paper here in the Austin neighborhood, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana and its commercial sale in the state."As the first state in the nation to fully legalize adult-use cannabis through the legislative process, Illinois exemplifies the best of democracy: a bipartisan and deep commitment to better the lives of all of our people," said Gov. JB Pritzker. "Legalizing adult-use cannabis brings an important and overdue change to our state, and it's the right thing to do. This legislation will clear the cannabis-related records of nonviolent offenders through an efficient combination of automatic expungement, gubernatorial pardon and individual court action. I'm so proud that our state is leading with equity and justice in its approach to cannabis legalization and its regulatory framework. Because of the work of the people here today and so many more all across our state, Illinois is moving forward with empathy and hope."The Democratic-controlled general assembly overwhelmingly approved the bill last month.The bill makes Illinois the 11th state to legalize cannabis and the second to legalize the cannabis possession through the legislative process. The signing of the bill also makes Illinois the first to legalize retail sales legislatively."My office is proud to have helped develop this historic legislation, which will provide conviction relief to hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents in the most extensive and equitable way possible," said Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx. "The time for justice is now, especially for communities of color who have long been disproportionately impacted by low-level cannabis convictions and the failed war on drugs. We look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure the broadest relief possible under this revolutionary law."Starting in the New Year, Illinois residents 21 and older will be able to purchase up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, edibles totaling no more than 500mg of THC and five grams of cannabis concentrate products. Non-residents can purchase half those amounts.People will not be allowed to grow their own pot plants unless they are medical marijuana patients.People who have been convicted of some low-level marijuana crimes could be also be pardoned, but that's only if those convictions are not linked to a violent crime.Pritzker hoping this new law will end part of the war on drugs that led to thousands of arrests and low level drug convictions.The overview of the bill is said to create a $30 million low-interest loan program, social equity applicant status for licensing, and expunge roughly 700,000 records.Lawmakers said revenue from the state's marijuana industry will be re-invested in communities that have been hit hard by the war on drugs.Opponents, however, believe legalization will only lead to increased addiction, drivers who are high and overdoses.Illinois has already decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana but the federal ban remains in place.Opponents said they're talking to federal law enforcement officials and attorneys to determine their next steps. </s> Businessman Sedfrey M. Linsangan asked the federal court to declare Guam's recreational marijuana law null and void because it violates federal law.

Linsangan, a former legislative candidate, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Guam on Thursday, the same day Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed the law legalizing recreational cannabis use by people at least 21 years old.

The lawsuit says the new Guam law violates the Federal Controlled Substances Act, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, and that the Organic Act doesn't allow Guam to pass laws contrary to federal law.

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Linsangan, who represents himself in his lawsuit, said defendants government of Guam and Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero in her official capacity committed illegal acts that will "destroy families, children, economy, businesses and the island of Guam" and put more strain on the medical system and public coffers.

In his lawsuit, Linsangan asked the federal court to declare Guam's legalization of recreational and medical marijuana null and void. He also asked the court to enjoin the defendants from engaging in policymaking regarding the sale and distribution of marijuana.

Linsangan also asked the court to declare GovGuam and the Legislature committed "official misconduct and violated the federal law."

As of 6 p.m. Friday, Adelup and Sen. Clynt Ridgell, the legalization bill's main author, had yet to comment on the lawsuit.

Linsangan, who wanted to run for governor in a previous election, is the same person who challenged the requirement that he identify a running mate in order to be eligible for the primary election. A federal judge dismissed that lawsuit in June 2018.

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Reporter Haidee Eugenio covers Guam's Catholic church issues, government, business and more. Follow her on Twitter @haidee_eugenio. Follow Pacific Daily News on Facebook/GuamPDN and Instagram @guampdn. </s> The Latest on Vermont's governor vetoing a marijuana legalization bill (all times local):

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is vetoing a bill that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state and is sending it back to the legislature with suggestions for changes.

The Republican governor said Wednesday he has concerns about public safety, children's health and how to measure impaired drivers. Scott suggested legislators could make changes to address those concerns in a veto session in June.

Scott is calling for more aggressive penalties for smoking pot while driving or using it in the presence of children.

Under the legislation, small amounts of marijuana would have been legal to possess and grow for anyone over age 21.

Had Scott signed the bill, Vermont would have become the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana. The District of Columbia has also legalized it.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott says he won't sign a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state and is instead sending it back to the legislature with suggestions for changes.

The Republican governor said Wednesday that changes could be made to the bill in a veto session this summer.

If Scott had decided to sign the bill, it would have made Vermont the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana. The District of Columbia has also legalized it.

The governor has previously said he's not philosophically opposed to marijuana legalization but has concerns about safety.

Under the legislation, small amounts of marijuana would have been legal to possess and grow for anyone over age 21. </s> With Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s signature on Bill 32 Thursday, recreational use of marijuana by people at least 21 years old becomes legal on Guam, with limitations.

The law allows those at least 21 years old to possess up to an ounce of marijuana.

Adults can grow no more than six plants for their personal use, but people still won’t be able to legally buy or sell marijuana until rules are finalized by a board within the year and approved by the Legislature.

FAQ: What you need to know about recreational marijuana

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Guam joins a dozen states and territories, including the CNMI, in legalizing marijuana use for medical and recreational use.

Unlike most states, Guam legalized adult use of marijuana through its 15-member Legislature rather than by putting the issue before voters.

The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Sen. Clynt Ridgell and five other senators, narrowly passed by a vote of 8-to-7.

While there are still questions that the government can’t answer about the legislation until after regulations are approved, there are some absolute do’s and don’ts based on how the law is written.

It’s illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. It is also illegal to consume it in public.

Employers would still be able to maintain drug-free workplaces.

The governor signed the bill about a week after senators narrowly passed Bill 32, and after the governor met with groups of individuals who support or opposing legalization of recreational marijuana.

Guam voters approved medical marijuana in 2014, but the program has not been fully implemented because of a lack of a testing laboratory, among other things. While waiting for the program to fully get off the ground, Guam approved home cultivation in 2018.

Guam voters approved medical marijuana in 2014, but the program has not been fully implemented because of a lack of a testing laboratory, among other things. While waiting for the program to fully get off the ground, Guam approved home cultivation in 2018.

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The governor during the 2018 campaign said she supported the concept of recreational cannabis legalization. But in meeting with private citizens advocating for or against the bill, the governor said she and her team will do their due diligence in reviewing the bill and will take public comments into consideration.

The contentious bill to legalize recreational marijuana passed the Legislature, with a vote of 8-to-7, on March 27.

Bill 32 or the Guam Cannabis Industry Act of 2019, calls for the establishment of a Cannabis Control Board, which would oversee the testing, manufacturing, licensing, packaging and production of marijuana.

The board has up to a year to develop rules and regulations, which are also subject to the Legislature's approval.

Senators led by Sen. Clynt Ridgell said they sponsored Bill 32 to create a new industry, enhance individual freedom, and promote the efficient use of law enforcement resources. They want a regulated industry for public health, welfare, safety and taxation purposes.

Reporter Haidee Eugenio covers Guam's Catholic church issues, government, business and more. Follow her on Twitter @haidee_eugenio. Follow Pacific Daily News on Facebook/GuamPDN and Instagram @guampdn.
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Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signs a bill into law, legalizing the recreational use of cannabis.