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Alaska’s First Recreational Marijuana Businesses Get Approved

Alaska Marijuana

The first recreational marijuana businesses with approval to cultivate and provide testing facilities in Alaska have been approved. The Marijuana Control Board approved licensing for CannTest, and nearly 10 other business in unanimous, open vote decision.

Chair of The Marijuana Control Board, Peter Mlynarik said, “Everything takes longer than expected,” in response to inquiries about the delay in commercial licensing for marijuana businesses.

Following a 60-day protest period, required under Alaska state regulations, the doors can be opened Alaska Dispatch News reports. The local government can also waive the protest period if it sees fit. The board approval is merely a placeholder that is contingent on local approval.

CannTest’s CEO, Mark Malagodi, and the lab’s scientist, Jonathan Rupp, answered questions from board members in an open and honest fashion. The Q&A period took place prior to the Marijuana Review Board’s vote.

Once the vote was in, Brandon Emmett (a seated board member) said, “Congratulations. That’s history right there folks.”

Several businesses were approved following their own Q&A processes.

The approved businesses include:

  • AK Green Labs
  • Rosie Creek Farm
  • Greatland Ganja, LLC.
  • Sunrise Gardens
  • Rainforest Farms, LLC.
  • Three Sisters Co-Op
  • Arctic Herbery

Arctic Herbery representative Bryant Thorp said, “I’m ecstatic! I’m thrilled in many ways.”

Rosie Creek Farm representative, Mike Emers said, “We are grateful to everyone in the state who have worked so hard to make this possible. We will not disappoint. We will make the state proud.”

No applications were rejected, but two were put on-hold temporarily. Additional approvals for regulations, licensing, location and business practices still must gain approval locally. Before Alaska marijuana businesses can open their doors, a final approval must come from the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office.

On June 17th meetings will continue with up to 20 more marijuana-related business licenses expected to be discussed.