Guam lawmakers this evening approved the recreational use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21.

Sen. Clynton Ridgell’s Bill No. 32-35 passed by a vote of 8-7.

Voting for the measures were Sens. Ridgell, Joe San Agustin, Regine Biscoe Lee, Telo Taitague, Louise Muna, Jose Terlaje, Kelly Marsh, and Speaker Tina Muna Barnes.

Voting against the measure were Sens. Jim Moylan, Wil Castro, Therese Terlaje, Sabina Perez, Mary Torres, Amanda Shelton, and Telena Nelson.

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

If it does become law no one should expect to see cannabis users lighting up joints in public places. That would still be prohibited.

The law first requires the governor to impanel a cannabis commission that must devise the rules and regulations to govern the use, production, sale, and taxation of marijuana.

Within one year of the effective date of the law, the commission must submit its proposed rules to the Legislature.

The legislature then must hold a public hearing no later than 75 days after they receive the rules and regulations from the commission.

Following the public hearing lawmakers will then be required to introduce a bill to accept, reject, amend or let lapse the proposed rules.

The commercial sale of cannabis will not be permitted until the rules devised by the commission have been codified and approved by the Legislature and either signed or allowed to lapse into law by the governor.