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Guam - The matter of medicinal marijuana was on the Decision 2014 ballot. The issue of regulating the application of cannabis for the treatment of ailments wasn't a race like the others as Guamanians and the world over paid close attention to the referendum and how voters chose.


"It's what the people want, we'll do it," expressed James Gillan, director of the Department of Public Health and Social Services. And over 19,000 voters said 'yes' on medicinal marijuana accounting for more than 50% of the vote. But you shouldn't light up just yet - according to Gillan, the measure is not enacted until 90 days after the Guam Election Commission certifies the result.


"I'm not sure what that really means, because I still have nine months to promulgate rules and regulations and do a lot of things, so when it says its enacted, it guess says its legit, it's the law," he said.


Proposal 14a directs Public Health to regulate the use of marijuana as treatment for medical conditions or diseases. Additionally, an advisory board of nine members needs to be established that would consist of the Public Health director, the Guam Board of Medical Examiners, the Department of Agriculture, the Legislature, a member of the public at large and four practitioners representing the fields of oncology, neurology, psychiatry and pain management.


Said Gillan, "I'm hoping we have that number on Guam, otherwise we'll have to figure a way around that, it does say 'shall' there's no 'may' or will'."


But that's not the only challenge Gillan foresees with implementing the measure. Others issues include getting the expertise to help define the amount of cannabis that is necessary to constitute an adequate supply including amounts for topical treatments and whether the $100,000 from the Healthy Future Funds identified in the bill even exists. But, he says, it's not insurmountable, noting, "Not insurmountable - but I've always said I don't think $100,000 is going to get this set up, we're also talking about licensing distributors and producers and coming up with the requirements that they need."


The medicinal marijuana measure is making headlines not only here at home but across the nation as well. Close to two dozen states have already legalized cannabis for medical use so Gillan says there is enough information available so these issues won't be entirely problematic to solve. "So it's going to take a lot of work, but I think there are a number of people interested in doing this to get it done and we'll see how it goes from there," he shared.


Gillan says he's been in contact with jurisdictions with experience in medicinal marijuana including the Arizona Department of Health Services. He adds after expenses, Arizona was able to generate $7 million in excess revenue for other health programs. "I'm kind of okay with it, because if it helps just one person get through all the pain and anguish and it helps a family, we'll do it, but we want to do it right," he said.


In the meantime, the measure was named in honor of the late Joaquin "KC" Concepcion II. His widow Emily Concepcion on her Facebook page says, "I'm proud to be from an island that chooses to give our patients the option to medicate themselves, naturally. There are still many things that need to be done and like any prescription- regulation and responsibility must come with it. We did it Guam. Biba 215."