Gov. John P. deJongh on Wednesday signed a bill sponsored by Senator Terrence Nelson that places a medical marijuana referendum on the November 4th general election ballot.<\/p>\n
The bill, one of much controversy, seeks to garner the mood of Virgin Islanders as it relates to having a medical marijuana industry in the territory, and is not the first marijuana bill sponsored by Sen. Terrence Nelson who, in tandem, is sponsoring two others: an industrial hemp bill that seeks to legalize the plant, which contains small amounts of THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, clearing the way for a hemp industry in the V.I., and a marijuana decriminalization bill that would lower penalties for crimes involving marijuana. Nelson has made it clear that legalizing marijuana in the Virgin Islands is his ultimate goal.<\/p>\n
“I have approved the following measure: Bill No. 300444, allowing for a referendum election on the cultivation and use of marijuana for medicinal and research purposes,” the Governor wrote in a transmittal letter to Senate President Shawn-Michael Malone.<\/p>\n
Elated, Senator Nelson said that he was “truly pleased that the governor will let democracy take place. This is the right thing to do. Thank you Governor deJongh.”<\/p>\n