Regulatory Baby Steps for Recreational Marijuana in Alaska

Alaska has taken its first step toward developing regulations on its recreational cannabis industry.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board proposed some initial regulations during a meeting it held Thursday, focusing on a handful of legal definitions and outlinng options local governments would have when it comes to cannabis companies, according to the Alaska Dispatch News.

The initial proposed regulations include definitions for “marijuana plant,” “edible,” and “possession.” They also address potential cannabis collectives. The state’s rec cannabis law allows individuals to assist each other in personal cultivation. But the board’s proposal would effectively nix collectives, as individuals would only be allowed to grow their six legal plants in their own homes, and not at a secondary location.

Another proposed rule would allow local governments to either prohibit or run their own marijuana businesses. That means municipalities, including city councils, would have discretion on banning or allowing cannabis companies, and would also be allowed to get into the marijuana industry themselves if they so choose.

The board only proposed a handful of rules to start with. Final, comprehensive regulations will be written by the board, a new state marijuana agency and state lawmakers.