Alaska Marijuana Regulators Still Debating Marijuana Cafes

Alaska’s Marijuana Control Board has put a hold on its considerations for regulating marijuana cafes, which would allow marijuana use at certain establishments, because a board member expressed concerns that caused the board, as a whole, to look further into the plan before having further discussions.

The board now wishes to receive more feedback from its locals before moving forward with any plans, according to Greenfield Reporter. Unused portions of products would be permitted to be taken home as long as the products are resealed and contained.

Some of the concerns surrounding the cafes are in regards to the use being “in public.” Board counsel Harriet Dinegar Milks commented that the board and state would be required to define what it considers to be “in public” for this law to be properly regulated. Standing state laws would be violated if on-site consumption were allowed unless the state regulations were amended to reflect the permitting of these facilities.

Other concerns, voiced by Erika McConnell, are that on-site consumption would promote marijuana usage away from home, which could result in public intoxication and/or impaired driving. Suggestions for specific regulation on intoxication levels, consumption limits and operation of vehicles/machinery after use would be put in-place if and when the board moves forward on this idea.