Guam lawmakers approved a bill Wednesday night that establishes a framework for the creation of a cannabis industry that could eventually lead to the legalization of the production, sale and taxation of marijuana on Guam.

Sen. Clynton Ridgell’s Bill 32-35 passed by a vote of 8-7 shortly before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Sens. Ridgell, Joe San Agustin, Régine Biscoe Lee, Telo Taitague, Louise Muna, Jose Terlaje, Kelly Marsh and Speaker Tina Muña Barnes voted in favor of the measure.

Sens. Jim Moylan, Wil Castro, Therese Terlaje, Sabina Perez, Mary Torres, Amanda Shelton and Telena Nelson voted against it.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has expressed support for the measure and is expected to sign it into law.

The governor’s office issued a statement Wednesday night saying the governor would have “no comment” until she has reviewed the bill.

“I’m excited, really happy,” said Sen. Ridgell after the vote. He thanked the 8 senators who voted for the measure, as well as those who voted ‘no’ citing their contributions to the debate.

“It is done,” said Minority leader Sen. Wil Castro who voted no. “The next only logical step is to strengthen the bill with the rules and regulations that go with the bill,” he said.

If the governor signs the Guam Cannabis Industry Act of 2019 into law, it will be some time before homegrown marijuana products will be available for purchase in cannabis stores.

“Before anyone can begin selling it, or any (cannabis) businesses can open up,” explained Sen. Ridgell, “a cannabis control board has to be impaneled.” The governor must appoint 9 members to the board.

Then, within one year of the effective date of the law, the commission must submit its proposed rules to the legislature.

Those rules and regulations will have to be turned into a piece of legislation.

A public hearing must be held on the measure within 75 days after receiving the rules and regulations. The bill then must be approved by lawmakers and sent on to the governor for final action.

The commercial sale of cannabis will not be permitted until the rules and regulations governing the cannabis industry have become law.

“Currently it is legal to consume cannabis,” said Sen. Ridgell, and it’s only a violation, punishable by a fine of up to $100 for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, he said.

Bill 32-35 would decriminalize possession of marijuana and legalizes its consumption by adults 21 year of age and over.

However, public consumption of marijuana is still prohibited at island parks, beaches, in restaurants, inside a vehicle or on the side walk.