Is Marijuana Legal in Alaska?

Currently, it is legal to use marijuana for medicinal purposes in Alaska. Medicinal marijuana, also called marijuana extracts, contains cannabinoids, which are chemicals that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used for recreational purposes.

Public Consumption

Despite its legal status for adults, public consumption of marijuana in Alaska remains illegal. The law prohibits use of cannabis in public places, including schools, parks, and amusement venues.

Public consumption is also prohibited on federal land. While it’s not technically a crime to have an open container of weed, passengers may be in trouble for consuming a substance in their car.

Alaska’s cannabis laws are complex and subject to change. For example, the state legislature passed a measure in 1998 to allow medical patients to grow up to two dozen plants for personal use.

Another measure, Measure 2, approved recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and older. It does not change Alaska’s impaired driving laws.

It’s legal for recreational consumers to possess up to one ounce of marijuana in their home. In addition, some pot shops offer prepackaged buds and online ordering.

Some Alaska pot shops have lounge areas where people can consume weed in private. Good Titrations in Fairbanks is one of these places. It opened in April and features a coffee bar, a lounge, and a smoking area where visitors can pick a green and smoke.

Medicinal Marijuana

Whether you are an Alaska resident or a tourist, you should know that marijuana is legal in the state. In fact, marijuana stores are now open in several communities throughout the state. However, there are some areas of the state where marijuana use is prohibited.

The first thing you should know is that marijuana is not legal on federal land. If you are carrying marijuana across state lines, you may be arrested for a federal crime.

Another important thing to remember is that the possession of small amounts of marijuana is typically a misdemeanor. A third offense could result in a suspended license for up to three years. In addition, a fine of up to $1,000 is a penalty for simple possession.

The medical use of marijuana is also legal in the state, although the law does not allow the sale or distribution of medical marijuana. The only place you can legally purchase cannabis is at a licensed dispensary.

Recreational Marijuana

Whether you are a medical marijuana patient or simply a recreational consumer, you will need to comply with Alaska’s marijuana laws. The state’s legislature has passed laws limiting the amount of cannabis a resident can possess.

For adults 21 and over, possession of an ounce of marijuana is legal, but only for personal use. Additionally, individuals may purchase seven grams of concentrates from a state-licensed facility.

The laws allow people over the age of 21 to grow up to six marijuana plants at home. These plants can be flowering or immature. However, the cultivation site must be a private residence.

It is also illegal to cultivate more than 25 marijuana plants. The penalty for growing more than 25 plants is a Class C felony with a maximum fine of $1,000 and five years in prison.

The cultivation of marijuana for a minor is a felony, punishable by up to ten years in prison. It is also illegal to sell marijuana to a person under 21.

Taxes on Weed

Unlike other legal cannabis states, Alaska does not impose a state sales tax on marijuana. Instead, growers and retailers pay taxes on the products they sell. These taxes are collected by the Department of Revenue.

The tax revenue collected by Alaska is spent on recidivism reduction programs, a drug education program, and the Alaska Boys & Girls Club. The state expects to collect at least $30 million in marijuana tax revenue by fiscal year 2021.

Marijuana tax revenues are deposited into a general fund. The revenue is distributed to the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Corrections, the Health and Social Services Department, and the Recidivism Reduction Fund.

In fiscal year 2018, Alaskan cannabis tax collection was $10.8 million. This is an increase from the $9.9 million that was collected in fiscal year 2017. The Alaskan Department of Revenue estimates that marijuana tax revenue will grow to $24.2 million in fiscal year 2020. In fiscal year 2021, the Department of Revenue will collect at least $30 million in marijuana tax revenue.