AK board set to approve first rec marijuana retailers, manufacturers

The Alaska Marijuana Control Board is meeting today and tomorrow to approve what will be the first licenses for recreational marijuana retailers and manufacturing facilities in the state.

According to the board’s agenda, nearly 20 retail stores are listed for review, broadcaster KTVA reported.

The Marijuana Control Board is expected to consider dozens of other marijuana business license applications as well, and debate whether certain retail stores will be allowed to have areas on their premises where customers can consume their cannabis, the Associated Press reported.

Because Alaska’s regulations prohibit public consumption of cannabis, the board is reportedly seeking ways to accommodate tourists by giving them areas where they can legally use marijuana.

The board began approving cultivation and testing licenses in June. The state currently has 23 active marijuana licenses, with another 24 awaiting board approval. KTVA also reported that 240 marijuana license hopefuls have begun the necessary paperwork.