Northern Mariana Islands

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands became the first US jurisdiction to move directly from prohibition to full legalization when lawmakers passed the Taulamwaar Sensible CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018 (Public Law 20-66) by a vote of 18–1. Adults 21+ may possess up to 8 ounces and cultivate up to 6 mature and 12 immature plants per household. The first licensed dispensary opened in Saipan in July 2021, and a cannabis lounge followed shortly after. Regulatory oversight was originally handled by the CNMI Cannabis Commission but transferred to the Department of Commerce’s Alcohol, Beverage and Tobacco Control (ABTC) Division in January 2026 under Executive Order 2025-005. The existing statutory framework under Title 4, Division 5, Chapter 21 of the Commonwealth Code remains in effect. Licensed retailers, producers, and a lounge operate on Saipan, though the market remains small relative to mainland US states.