About
The CNMI Cannabis Commission was created by the CNMI Government through the Taulamwaar Sensible CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018, which was signed into law as CNMI Public Law 20-66 on September 21, 2018. The following year, CNMI Public Law 21-05 was signed into law on August 21, 2019, allowing the CNMI Cannabis Commission form.
On September 12, 2019, the Commission organized and elected the Board's officers. A month later on November 12, 2019, the Commission hired their Managing Director.
By statute, the Commission had 180 days to promulgate its rules and regulations. On March 10, 2020 and meeting the 180-day deadline, the Commission published into regulation the emergency rules and regulations for the CNMI's newest industry.
Pursuant to CNMI PL 20-66 & 21-05, the Cannabis Commission has the powers and duties specified in these Acts, and also the powers necessary or proper, to enable it to carry out fully and effectually all the purposes of these Acts.
The jurisdiction, supervision, powers and duties of the Commission extend to any person who buys, sells, produces, processes, transports, or delivers any marijuana items within this Commonwealth.
The composition of the Commission is as follows:
(1) The Governor shall appoint from the Third Senatorial District three (3) members to the Commission, subject to the advice and consent of the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, provided that one of the three members appointed by the Governor shall be a voter from the Northern Islands and selected by the Northern Islands’ Mayor.
(2) The Mayor of Rota shall appoint from the First Senatorial District one (1) member to the Commission, subject to the advice and consent of the Rota Legislative Delegation.
(3) The Mayor of Tinian shall appoint from the Second Senatorial District one (1) member to the Commission, subject to the advice and consent of the Tinian and Aguiguan Legislative Delegation.
Officers, Member, and Managing Director
Chairman - Commissioner Juan Iguel, representing the Northern Islands
Vice Chairman - Commissioner Journie M. Hofschneider, representing Tinian
Secretary - Commissioner Thomas L. Songsong, representing Rota
Treasurer - Commissioner Joseph S. Rios Jr, representing Saipan
Member - Commissioner Jose B. Palacios, representing Saipan
Managing Director: Mikiotti Evangelista
Administrative Staff
Executive Secretary: Natasha Palacios
Public Records
In an effort to promote transparency and accountability, the Commission makes available to the viewing public all public records associated with any decision-making events held by the Board.
“Public record” means any written or printed report, book or paper, map or plan of the Commonwealth or its respective political subdivisions, boards, commissions, agencies, which is the property thereof, and in or on which an entry has been made or is required to be made by law, or which any public officer or employee has received or is required to receive for filing, but shall not include records which invade the right of privacy of an individual or business entity.
Visit our resource library to access the Commission's rules and regulations.