Alaska Won't Allow Cannabis Consumption At Retail Outlets

Alaska Won't Allow Cannabis Consumption At Retail Outlets

Marijuana regulators in Alaska on Thursday narrowly rejected a proposal that would have made the state the first in the nation to allow marijuana consumers to use the cannabisthat they buy at the retail stores selling it.

In a 32 vote, the Alaska Marijuana Control board decided not to allow it - prompting criticism from retailers who vowed to continue to press for some sort of allowable marijuana use at their stores.

The proposed new rules would have let people buy marijuana products in authorized stores and go into separate store areas to partake.

Board member fears Trump

Board member Mark Springer, among those who voted to reject the measure, said he was worried how the new administration of President Donald Trump might view marijuana use at retail stores in Alaska.

It remains illegal at the federal level but has also been legalized in seven other U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

Another board member, Loren Jones, said he voted against the proposal after receiving many negative comments from the public.

The Alaska Marijuana Industry Association representing the states new marijuanasector will continue to lobby for some way to allow marijuana consumers to use pot at the stores, said Cary Carrigan, the groups executive director

He predicted pandemonium could happen during Alaskas upcoming summer tourism season, the first when legal pot shops will be open in Alaska.

Tourists have no legal place to consume cannabis

Cruise ship at port in Juneau, Alaska

Industry players have previously said tourists, especially cruise-ship passengers, will not have any legal place they can smoke marijuana after buying it because the legalization law only allows itto be smoked on private property. Marijuana is offlimits on cruise ships.

They have said it would be better to allow Alaska tourists to smoke marijuana in ...

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