Delayed decision: Regulators holding off making rules for Alaska marijuana use in stores
JUNEAU, Alaska The board regulating Alaskas fledgling legal marijuana industry started a two-day meeting Wednesday during which it was expected to approve licenses for the states first retail marijuana outlets.
But Alaskas Marijuana Control Board delayed for at least another month action on a proposal that would give certain retail stores permission to have areas where customers could light up a key issue because tourists and others would otherwise be prohibited from doing so in public.
The following is a look at where Alaska stands on marijuana sales:
Q: Whats happened so far?
A: Regulators have been writing rules for the industry since last year, after a voter initiative approved recreational use of marijuana by those 21 and older. Heading into Wednesdays meeting, the Marijuana Control Board had approved about 50 licenses for marijuana business operators, with an emphasis first on growers and labs that will test the marijuana.
Starting Wednesday, the board planned to consider dozens more license applications, including requests from people who want to open stores to sell marijuana and those who want to manufacture marijuana products. Applications for retail shops and manufacturers were expected to be considered Thursday.
Q: When will I be able to buy marijuana at a retail store?
A: Thats not clear.
Retail stores should open by years end, but the timing will depend in part on when stores have a supply of marijuana approved by laboratories that is legal for sale, said Cynthia Franklin, director of the state Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office.
The marijuana board has focused first on licensing people to grow marijuana and the labs that will test it. The next step was to approve the retail outlets and product manufacturers.
Q: Will Alaska allow pot cafes?
A: That is one of the biggest unanswered questions that the Marijuana Control Board has before it.
Earlier this year, it proposed allowing cannabis shops to sell marijuana for use at the shops like bars sell alcohol.
But the board retreated from that stance in July after one member expressed concerns. Instead, it proposed a narrower plan that would allow people to buy marijuana products to smoke, inhale or consume in food, like a brownie, in an authorized store and go into a separate area to partake. People ...
