Alaska Legalizes Marijuana

According to a website called the Marijuana Policy Project, on November 4, 2014, 53 percent of Alaskans voted to end decades of ineffective marijuana prohibition.

They voted to replace it with a system in which marijuana is taxed and regulated like alcohol.

The initiative, known as Ballot Measure 2, took effect on February 24, and allows adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants in a private, secure location. Of these plants, only three are allowed to be matured, which means flowering.

According to the law, anyone growing plants for their own use must grow them in a location that is not visible to the general public and where they are secure from unauthorized access.

Commercial cultivation cannot begin until the cultivator obtains a license. The state will not accept application for licenses until one year after the law takes effect.

Ballot Measure 2 allows the following types of marijuana establishments: retail stores, cultivation facilities, marijuana infused product manufacturers, and testing facilities.

The marijuana-infused product manufacturers allows for the making of edibles and extracts for vaporizer pens.

Under the new law, Alaska is imposing a $50 excise tax on every ounce of marijuana sold or transferred from a cultivation or production facility to a retail outlet.

Alaskans will not be allowed to sell marijuana for personal, nonmedical use legally anywhere in the state.

However, it is legal for anyone 21 and older to give up to one ounce of marijuana or up to six immature plants to another person who is 21 or older. These exchanges are only legal if they are gifts; nothing of value may be exchanged for the marijuana.

Ballot Measure 2 prohibits public use and consumption of marijuana. Those who violate this prohibition face a fine of up to $100.

The law does not alter Alaska’s prohibition on driving under the influence of marijuana. It is still illegal to drive under the influence of it.

What do you think about the legalization of marijuana? Should it continue throughout the states? Let us know on either our Facebook or Twitter page by using the hashtag #MarijuanaLegalization!