Seven years after Guam legalized recreational cannabis for adults, the Guam Cannabis Control Board on Wednesday approved the island’s first two cannabis establishment licenses.
Board members unanimously approved a cultivation license for Pacific Root LLC, doing business as Pacific Cultivation, and conditionally approved a cultivation license for Guam Real Deal LLC, doing business as Deep Green Guam.
“I see big smiles. This is momentous. And I think for the board, we're so excited, and for the applicants, the companies,” Board Chair Vanessa Williams Cruz said. “I think it's fair to say we're very excited to see you take off and for you guys to really blaze the trail and getting the first [cannabis establishment license] applications.”
Now the businesses can apply to the Department of Revenue and Taxation for permits to operate.
“It means the gates are open,” Williams Cruz said after the meeting.
Williams Cruz said the businesses and the agencies involved in the approval process faced a learning curve in navigating the licensing for a new industry.
“Understanding the rules and the law in Guam, where there were none - you know, there was no regulation before, it was a criminal activity, right, right? And so we have an entirely new system,” she said.
Williams Cruz said now that cultivators have been licensed, the island can expect to see product manufacturers and retailers to follow as well.
“Today marks a historic milestone for Guam. After years of careful regulatory design, community dialogue, and unwavering commitment to public safety, we are proud to see the first two cannabis establishments successfully licensed," she said. "This is the next big step in the beginning of a responsible, locally rooted cannabis economy that honors the intent of legalization while creating opportunities for our people."
