Guam took a big step closer to legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults, as senators on Wednesday night voted 8-to-7 to send a cannabis bill to the governor for action.

Pro- and anti-recreational cannabis advocates held signs of support or opposition to Bill 32 at the Guam Congress Building.

If Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signs the bill into law, Guam would join a dozen states and territories, including the CNMI, in legalizing marijuana for recreational and medical use.

The governor said she supports the concept of recreational cannabis legalization, but Ridgell said the governor still needs to review the final version of the bill since it received multiple floor amendments.

Speaker Tina Muña Barnes, D-Mangilao, said she’s hoping the bill will be transmitted to the governor by close of business Thursday.

The eight senators who voted to pass Bill 32 were Sen. Clynt Ridgell, D-Talofofo; Muña Barnes; Sens. Regine Biscoe Lee, D-Tamuning; Joe San Agustin, D-Yigo; Telo Taitague, R-Tamuning; Jose “Pedo” Terlaje, D-Yona; Kelly Marsh, D-Asan; and Louise Muña, R-Yigo.

The seven “no” votes came from Vice Speaker Telena Nelson, D-Dededo; Sens. Sabina Perez, D-Barrigada; Wil Castro, R-Barrigada; Jim Moylan, R-Tumon; Amanda Shelton, D-Asan;  Therese Terlaje, D-Yona; and Mary Torres, R-Santa Rita. [Read more at Pacific Daily News]