The governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)—a tiny Pacific territory with a population of just over 50,000, has just signed a new law to legalize marijuana.

CNMI is now the first place in the U.S. to launch a commercial cannabis legalization system through an act of lawmakers. Traditionally voters through a ballot initiative vote for or against the law.

Under the new law signed by Gov. Ralph Torres (R), adults over 21 years of age will be able to legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana. This also includes infused products and extracts.

Regulators will issue licenses for cannabis producers, testing facilities, processors, retailers, wholesalers as well as even lounges. The law also allows some cultivation of a small number of plants.

CNMI is also the first U.S. jurisdiction to go from having cannabis totally illegal to allowing recreational use without first having a medical marijuana program.

“I am proud of our CNMI leadership, citizens and national organizations for working together to thoughtfully develop and approve a progressive piece of legislation that that will improve the quality of life for so many,” said Lawerence J. Duponcheel, co-founder of the advocacy group Sensible CNMI.

“Together, we are telling the world that we do not feel that our citizens should be stigmatized and criminalized for the responsible adult use of cannabis and that they should no longer be denied access to this life-saving medicine.”


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