If No Action Is Taken On Medicinal Marijuana Bill Today, It Becomes Law In U.S. Virgin Islands
Today is the last day for Governor Albert Bryan to take action in either vetoing or approving former Senator Positive Nelson’s medicinal marijuana bill, which was approved in the 32nd Legislature’s last session and forwarded to Mr. Bryan for his consideration.
According to the Bryan administration’s Communications Director, Richard Motta, as of Friday afternoon Mr. Bryan had yet to take action on the bill, stating that the governor was still reviewing the legislation.
But today marks the 14-day deadline given to a governor to either veto or approve a measure. If no action is taken, the bill automatically becomes law in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Governor Bryan has spoken in favor of medicinal marijuana, and while a gubernatorial candidate, mentioned the creation of a registry for marijuana products in the territory that would see the U.S. Virgin Islands receiving a percentage of the sale on all products registered here. Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach is also a proponent of the bill.
Even so, some have pointed out concerns relative to vagueness and enforcement if the bill is signed into law. During a December 2019 hearing, former Senator Nereida Rivera-O’Reilly, a staunch opposer of the measure, laid out her disquiet with the measure. She said while the bill’s sponsor, Mr. Nelson, has said smoking was not the intent of the legislation, throughout the bill smoking of marijuana is not prohibited. “If it doesn’t say you cannot smoke, then I would have to take the position that smoking can be allowed,” Mrs. Rivera-O’Reilly said.
Read more: https://viconsortium.com/health/if-no-action-is-taken-on-medicinal-marijuana-bill-today-it-becomes-law-in-u-s-virgin-islands/