Rota has first say on legalization

The people of Rota will be the first to make official public comments on the legalization of marijuana in the CNMI. I was recently informed that the public hearings on the Senate bill are tentatively scheduled to begin on Rota during the week of March 16.  I find it poetic that the segment of CNMI society who is suffering the most and stand the most to gain from legalization will be the first to speak out on the issue of legalization. Indeed, Rota may set the tone for all the public hearings, which is why it is imperative for the people to turn out in large numbers. Given the many certified polls and surveys that prove the majority of Americans in the mainland now support legalization, I would like to believe the overwhelming majority on Rota will also support legalization for a number of reasons.

Rota is in the unique position to become the epicenter for starting change, growth, and prosperity that are trademarks of the new marijuana industry. I’m sure the citizens of Rota who are informed about marijuana and tired of seeing their island turn into a ghost town will surely come out to support legalization for all uses, not just medical. There is also the fact that if the moratorium approach to full legalization as I proposed is accepted and used, Rota will be one of the primary cultivation sites of marijuana as Saipan has a very limited capacity and it will take tons to satisfy the tremendous appetite for marijuana once it is on the menu. The farmers on Rota will also become rich and even millionaires if this industry continues to grow at the present rate. If you are tired of Rota’s deteriorating conditions then attend the public hearing and supporting legalization.

The only question to be answered is will the people come out and support legalization or will they just “let it be” because we know that doing nothing to promote change and embracing the past will get us nowhere quick, fast, and in a hurry!  People, especially our youth, are leaving because the CNMI is so far behind the times when we should be pursuing and embracing modern times. Rota can start this change or let opportunity pass them by like the ships and airplanes already do every day between Guam and Saipan. Rota can be the gateway to the CNMI but only if the people want to make it happen. This is your chance, Rota!

We can all join together to promote change and improvements through legalization or we can all continue to live in the past and squander the prosperity of legalization that is the core of the American dream.  Freedom and prosperity are pillars of America and the American dream. The freedom to use a natural God-given herb, which is the least addictive of all the vices including cigarettes and the ability to make hundreds of millions should be enough prosperity to make the people of Rota come out in large numbers to support legalization. The great part about the people making a show of support for legalization is that you don’t have to say a word or even display a sign because here in the CNMI, just being there in large numbers will be enough for our leaders to get the message. They will know why you are there. But a failure to turn out in large numbers to support legalization will surely send the message that you are satisfied with the suffering and deterioration of your economy and quality of life on Rota. The legalization ball is pitched to you on Rota first, so many of us on Saipan and Tinian are depending upon you to start this economic reform to legalize pot by hitting it out of the park with a full show of support for full legalization (medical, medicinal, and recreational).

P.S.: I am asking any member of the Legislature, any organization or group that is interested in sponsoring a debate on legalization to please contact me; I’m listed in the phone book. A debate would also be a good fundraising activity as I’m sure people will even pay to see a truly long overdue debate on legalization in the CNMI. I know it will be very helpful for our leaders and the people to be educated as much as possible on this critical issue as there is just too much money and prosperity at stake.

Ambrose M Bennett
Kagman, Saipan