Guam Becomes First U.S. Territory To Legalize Medical Cannabis

Guam Voters Pass Initiative To Legalize Medical Cannabis

Voters passed an initiative Tuesday that legalizes medical cannabis for patients with “debilitating medical conditions” in Guam. So far 56 of 58 precincts have reported the results for Proposal 14A showing 56% of voters approve of the medical cannabis initiative. Many activists are calling it an early “win,” but nobody will know for sure until all of the results are reported.

“That’s great news, and a positive omen, for marijuana reform efforts across the country.” – Ethan Nadelmann

Guam is an unincorporated United States territory located in the Western Pacific Ocean, in which approximately 160,000 people currently reside.

“That’s great news, and a positive omen, for marijuana reform efforts across the country,” Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, said in a statement on Tuesday. “Guam is quite conservative politically, and home to a significant U.S. military presence, so this resounding victory is a confirmation of medical marijuana’s broad support across the political spectrum.”

Legalizing medical cannabis in Guam is a step forward for medical cannabis patients worldwide. As more countries and territories loosen marijuana prohibition laws, patients will have greater access to medical marijuana without fear of being reprimanded criminally. This also opens the door to more government and privately funded cannabis research across the globe.