The Juneau, Alaska Assembly has approved an ordinance allowing on-site cannabis consumption at state-approved cannabis businesses, the Associated Press reports. The measure allows both on-site edibles consumption indoors and smoking outdoors.
According to a Juneau Empire report, on-site edible consumption at businesses will be permitted 30 days following the ordinance’s passage on July 23, while public smoking won’t be allowed until more regulations are developed.
Jennifer Canfield, co-owner of cannabis dispensary Green Elephant, told the Empire she doesn’t believe smoking will be allowed this year.
During the debate, officials argued that the smoking ordinance was an attempt at combatting secondhand cannabis smoke and incidents of people smoking cannabis in public illegally.
Alaska legalized social cannabis use last March, allowing businesses to apply for on-site endorsements; however, like most state-wide cannabis laws, municipalities have final say in whether they will allow the industry to operate and can devise their own laws.
Under the state law consumption areas must be separated from retail areas by a wall or secure door or be an outdoor patio. Ventilation must be provided, and a security plan must be filed with the state.
Alaska was the first state to approve social-use cannabis laws. In February, Denver, Colorado finalized its social consumption regulations, which were approved by voters in 2016. Earlier this month, West Hollywood, California approved its first cannabis café. Under Michigan’s emergency adult-use regulations, social use will be permitted at clubs and lounges that do not serve food or alcohol, and event and festival organizers will be able to apply for permits that allow for cannabis use at the event.
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