Glacial coastlines, roaring rivers, and nights that last for months are just a few of the peculiar, yet interesting things Alaska has to offer. With a population of over 735,000 people Alaska is a beautiful state separated from the mainland United States. Filled with many of the tallest mountains in North America and other natural wonders, it makes sense the state is known as a frontier of adventure, freedom, and open space. In this spirit of freedom, Alaskan voters have sought to end the prohibition of marijuana over the past 20 years.

Is marijuana legal in Alaska?

Alaska has legalized both medical and recreational marijuana.

When did marijuana become legal in Alaska?

Alaska legalized marijuana for medical use during the 1998 election. The law allows individuals with qualifying debilitating diseases to receive medical marijuana recommendations from certified physicians. Then, as long as they registered within the state system, patients can legally possess, use, and cultivate limited amounts of marijuana. The law did not provide any way for medical dispensaries to be licensed or operate legally.

Recreational marijuana was passed by Ballot Measure 2 in November of 2014.

Where are the dispensaries?

In December of 2016, the state had less than ten dispensaries open, with the first legal sale of marijuana from a dispensary occurring in October of 2016. The state does not limit the amount of licensed marijuana-related businesses in the state. Instead, local governments may set limits or ban the industry altogether.

Are they medical or recreational dispensaries?

Since medical dispensaries were never licensed or opened, only recreational dispensaries exist. Right now, it does not appear that Alaska is implementing separate tax or regulatory structures for medical and recreational marijuana.

Who can be a MED member in Alaska? Who can purchase REC?

Recreational marijuana can be purchased by adults 21 and older.

Medical patients may any age, including under 21. Medical marijuana patients must be certified by a qualified physician. Though residents may petition to add other illnesses or diseases to the list, Alaska currently accepts the following conditions as allowable for treatment by medical marijuana:

How do I become a MED member in Alaska?

The patient and the recommending physician first have to establish a relationship, which involves reviewing the patient medical history, medications, and any relevant diagnoses. The physician must then perform an in-person examination and, in writing, certify that marijuana may help the person cope with the symptoms of their qualifying condition.

After receiving the doctor's recommendation, Alaskans must fill out an application available from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. A passport-style photo, a witness, and $25 paid by check or money order are also needed to complete the application.

Where can I smoke?

Medical patients are prohibited from using marijuana in any of the following places or ways: Recreational consumers are not permitted to consume marijuana "in public." To clarify what "in public" means with regard to marijuana, Alaska Lieutenant Governor Bryon Mallott filed an emergency regulation that would define the word. "In public" now includes highways, transportation centers (like airports or bus terminals), schools, parks, playgrounds, prisons, arenas, theme parks and other businesses of amusement, hallways, lobbies, and the parts of an apartment complex or hotel that are not private rooms or residences.

How much does marijuana cost in Alaska?

You can expect to pay around $20 per gram or $50 for 1/8th of flower, depending on the strain, and about $15 for a 10 mg edible product, depending on the manufacturer.

How much marijuana can I buy and possess in Alaska?

Both medical and recreation consumers are legally able to possess up to an ounce of usable marijuana.

Can I grow marijuana? How many plants?

Both medical and recreational consumers may grow up to six plants, with no more than three being mature (flowering), at any one time. Medical patients may allow their caregiver to cultivate on their behalf, as long as the caregiver has also registered with the state.

How do I get a job in the marijuana industry of Alaska?

Alaska requires any individual wanting to work within a dispensary, cultivation facility, or product manufacturer to first complete a certification course, offered by six different companies across the state. After completing the training course, those wishing to work in the marijuana industry in Alaska must submit an application containing proof of identity, address, fingerprints, and a $50 application fee.

Any applicant exposed as having a previous felony criminal conviction or a misdemeanor drug charge will be denied.

Is Drug testing for marijuana legal in this state?

Alaska does not establish protections for employees in the use of marijuana; however, employers are generally only required to be concerned with drug use that impacts performance. Employers get to set the rules of their business and patients or recreational consumers are subject to those policies. Punishment is typically reserved for on-the-job impairment.

Is Delivery legal?

Delivery from a dispensary to an individual person is illegal. Delivery of marijuana or marijuana-infused products is only permitted from a licensed producer or cultivator to a retail facility.

How to pay for marijuana in Alaska dispensaries?

Due to Federal regulations regarding illegal substances, where marijuana remains as a Schedule I narcotic, banking institutions and card services are often hesitant to get involved with the marijuana industry. As a result, dispensaries do all sales in cash.