Mapp, Giving No Assurances, Said He Would Consider Marijuana Bill

ST. CROIX — As Senator Positive Nelson continues his incessant push to see the legalization of some form of marijuana in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he may find that Governor Kenneth Mapp, who Mr. Nelson often clashes with on policy issues, is an unlikely ally of his ideas — if not the legislation themselves — as Mr. Mapp hints that any measure would be heavily scrutinized by his administration before a final decision to approve or veto.

During a Wednesday press conference held at Government House here, the territory’s leader explained his stance on marijuana, also known as Cannabis, to The Consortium.

“It would be something that I think would be considered. I look at all of the bills that arrive on my desk, and I will give it its merits. I will pass it through all of my commissioners and agency heads that has to do with that,” the governor said.

He pinpointed Attorney General Claude Walker as someone in his administration who staunchly opposes any form of legalization, but also referred to those who support the measure, as he highlighted the strong and varying opinions that make up his cabinet — whose opinions would influence Mr. Mapp’s final decision.

“The A.G. is adamant that it violates federal law, and then there are others in the cabinet that believe that it’s not necessarily does violate federal law and it’s something that the Virgin Islands should look at as part of its economic growth, and as part of its revenue streams,” Mr. Mapp said.

What Mr. Nelson can certainly expect, however, is that the governor would not just brush aside the bill with contempt. “I have always taken the clear and cut position: present me with a bill and I will look at that bill, and I will act based on what I read in the substance of that bill,” Mr. Mapp said.