Welcome to the Green Revolution!

As a cannabis advocate, I am in full support of the full potential of the cannabis plant: marijuana and hemp. I also understand the norms of society and must be mindful when sensitive issues are addressed so as not to harm or disrespect others in general. Although I was exposed to cannabis at an early age, it was in 1995 that I had wholeheartedly immersed myself in the cannabis culture. I absorbed everything I could about cannabis: from its use in medicine, spirituality, recreation, agriculture and industrial applications, including harm-reduction drug education studies and drug policy reform. I also became intrigued with marijuana horticulture, propagation and breeding. Like Johnny Appleseed, I had shared my hybrid strains with friends from the north to the south, which were then shared with others. In fact, the strains of the CNMI today, given their characteristics, may be a result of those shared seeds. In 1999, I was one of the proponents that spearheaded the Commonwealth Cannabis Tax Act, a ballot initiative that aimed for cannabis legalization in all aspects. It was really difficult garnering support for such a radical approach, given the hidden support of the people that were too afraid for many reasons, and dealing with the opposition that were paranoid with the stereotypical stigma associated with marijuana at the time. Although we had failed to get it on the ballot, it was definitely a learning experience that set the foundation for the future of cannabis and ultimately, to share the knowledge of cannabis. If I could change a negative mindset into a positive outcome, then I have succeeded one step further. This is how it always begins.

Today’s cannabis movement is not your stereotypical long-haired, tie-dyed, flower power, anti-war, do-as-we-please, hippie-stoner group of the ’60s anymore. Back then, only a handful of experts with courage and a small group of people, who had passion and conviction, were exposed in support of marijuana, with only about 20 percent of Americans in favor. By the 1970s, almost a dozen U.S. states have decriminalized marijuana with growing public support. Now, 40 years and four family generations later, 80 percent of Americans—marijuana users and non-users alike, along with prominent experts, scientists, institutions, organizations and agencies, which are backed by the evidences of cannabis science—favor the potentials of cannabis. We have completed a revolutionary cycle. History repeats itself. We witnessed marijuana legalization with California’s medical marijuana in 1996. Then we witnessed recreational marijuana with Colorado and Washington in 2012, and many that followed to this day. Who would have thought that we would witness marijuana legalized in our lifetime? Throughout the years, I have been occasionally approached by the CNMI people requesting to go “one more round.” Now, 16 years later since 1999, much has definitely changed in the cannabis movement, including the mentality of the CNMI people regarding cannabis. We all know this for a fact as evidenced in public opinion the world over.

Unlike the ’60s, the modern cannabis movement is powered by people from all walks of life: Nobel Prize winners, inventors, scientists, economists, artists, politicians and revolutionaries; including professionals in medicine, law, engineering, education, sports, business, trades, etc., and majority of the common folk who are users and non-users of cannabis. Effective lobbying with our leaders and smart approaches to technological communication and social media such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google and smartphones is what fuels spreading the good word of cannabis. This, my brothers and sisters, is how we have been winning the war on cannabis all this time. Knowledge is power.

For those who know me in this regard, know that there are safer and better approaches in progressing with the cannabis movement. There is a saying, “Chance only favors the prepared mind.” With chance, there is an opportunity to taking advantage of an objective. The objective: To legalize cannabis in one form or another, if not all, which will be considered a victory. With this said, an opportunity has been officially proposed and placed forth with the Senate medical marijuana bill, and it would be self-defeating as a cannabis proponent, and those in support of cannabis, not to seize the opportunity in addressing and even supporting one of cannabis’ potentials—medical use. This is an opportunity that was done through a legislative process and not on the side of the street with picket signs and petition forms as we had done in 1999. We can view this legislative approach as a new grassroots-style tactical shortcut in expediting a cause, no matter what we are fighting for as long as we unite together with our leaders for a favorable outcome that will benefit all. In 1999, we tried for full legalization. In 2010 and 2012, Stanley Torres tried for medical and recreational marijuana respectively. In fact, Stanley’s bill (HB 17-45) passed the house on Nov. 4, 2010, which marked the first time a pot legalization bill has passed in a legislative chamber in any U.S. territory. Now, we are completing another historical cycle, again.

It’s 2015 and the CNMI Senate has entertained the public hearings and requested from the public their recommendations to making the current medical marijuana bill effective. I had pointed out the bill’s weaknesses, strengths, and areas for improvement. Our MMJ bill is currently way better than Guam’s and many U.S. states due to its language and discrimination protection sections as well as the inclusion of nonresident allowance into the CNMI MMJ program. Our bill started out good. Then it was redrafted to be better. Let us work at making it the best.

The freedom of liberty. This has always been the main reason in the fight for marijuana. The freedom of choice to decide for one’s self as long as the decisions made do not harm others. Personal use is the essence of the marijuana issue. One more round? What do you think, my brothers and sisters, if we just make this a win-win situation? As requested by the Senate on inputs by the public, let us work to make recommendations in satisfying both groups of interest: patients and non-patients alike. Let us make it the best for liberty to treat one’s self and the liberty of pleasure for one’s self. We can do this. We will do this. This is how we will all preserve our dignity and liberty with cannabis. Get ready. History repeats itself. We have gone full circle my friends. Welcome to the “Green Revolution!” Biba Marianas!

In my world of cannabis, it is a beautiful world: the sick are treated, the spiritual are enlightened, the hungry are fed, the naked are clothed and the homeless are sheltered. All of this by embracing the full potentials of a single plant. I wish everyone can see from my eyes of what could be. Eventually, we will all get there. I hope. For all the right reasons, I am…Cannabis for life. Peace.

Gerry Palacios Hemley
Cannabis Advocate
Garapan, Saipan