A game the CNMI can win!

The headlines in many states are saying in some way that “this election was a tipping point for marijuana legalization” but that does not apply to the CNMI. Our tourist competitors for medical and cannabis tourism in this region (Guam and Hawaii) have both legalized medical marijuana and are looking at recreational now but the CNMI has yet prioritize legalization. California, Maine, Nevada, and Massachusetts all legalized recreational marijuana in this election. Medical marijuana was also approved in North Dakota, Montana, Arkansas, and Florida. Arizona, where medical use is legal, was the only state to reject recreational use and there are still more state legislatures who are wrestling with the issue of legalization. California’s and Nevada’s move to recreational legalization is also being described as a “game changer” as the popularity of these cities and their thriving tourist industries will pose a threat to Colorado’s Denver dominance in the industry. The competition for the cannabis tourism market just got stiffer with California and Nevada being included on the list of full legalization destinations. Do we really want to wait until Guam and Hawaii beat us to the finish line?

With all these states being added to the list of legalization zones in America there will be a growing concern and pressure on the federal government to relax and even change federal laws governing marijuana. President-elect Trump has already stated he believes it is a “state issue” and should be left up to the states to decide. There is also the fact that the federal government is now accepting and even demanding tax money from the marijuana industry businesses in legalization states, which poses another problem when other federally insured institutions (banks) are forced to reject money coming from the marijuana industry. The feds will have to fix this dichotomy and I’m sure they are not going to turn down new revenues in Congress. Besides, the CNMI has the advantage of not participating in the federal tax system for businesses and thank goodness our governor is already on very good terms with the President-elect! For sure, the “game is changing” right before our eyes and I just wonder if the CNMI is going to just stand idle and watch prosperity go to Guam, Hawaii and the rest of America or are we going to get in the game and at least try to be a winner in our region?

But I also know one of the challenges to the CNMI’s push for legalization is me, being an “outsider” who is virtually one of the most knowledgeable and for sure the most outspoken person in the CNMI on legalization. However,I am very optimistic the governor will do something to change the politics of the past and include all citizens regardless of their political connection, which is something even President-elect Trump is learning to do and even owning up to before he gets in office because it’s ultimately about what is in the best interest of all the people.

Ambrose M Bennett

Kagman, Saipan