On-site cannabis consumption is back on the agenda for the Alaska Marijuana Control Board as the body will discuss three different options at its next meeting, the Associated Press reports. The proposals include cannabis sampling, edibles-only consumption, the consumption of only cannabis purchased at the location in question.
The sampling measure is proposed by board member Loren Jones and would allow adults 21-and-older to try products and then leave the establishment. The proposal by board Chairman Peter Mlynarik, who is also the Solodtna Police Chief, would allow adults to eat infused candy and baked goods but would ban on-site smoking and vaping. Board member Brandon Emmett’s proposal would allow patrons to consume edibles, smoke, or vape on-site, so long as the products are purchased at the establishment.
In February, the board voted 3-2 against on-site consumption measures. At that time, board member Mark Springer said he had rejected the measure over concerns about how President’s Donald Trump’s administration would handle the legal cannabis industry and said that he didn’t want “to be waving a red flag in front of federal law enforcement” which could lead to a crackdown.
One of the driving forces for legalizing cannabis in Alaska was to allow tourists to consume cannabis products. Under the law, adult tourists can purchase cannabis but they presently have few options to legally consume the products as most hotels and many cruise ships have no-smoking policies.
The board meets July 11-14 in Fairbanks.