Good news out of Alaska. See the message I received below:
Alaska reached yet another historic milestone yesterday when the Marijuana Control Board issued the state’s first business licenses for those that plan to serve adult consumers. Yesterday’s announcement included eight cultivators and two testing labs. The board will consider additional applications today.
Licensees will now likely continue the process by working with local governments in their communities before they begin operating.
The Marijuana Control Board has been evaluating applicants since late February, although there have been some delays. Applications for processors and retail shops will be selected for licenses later in the year.
Meanwhile, the board is now developing operating rules for cannabis cafés, and licenses are also expected later this year. Their availability will mark the first time a U.S. state will formally license locations for adults to meet and consume together — sidestepping problems other states have experienced by failing to offer regulated locations for adult consumers. A copy of the proposed cannabis café rules is available here, and guidelines for submitting public comments are here.
Congratulations to supporters and Marijuana Control Board members who worked so hard to reach this point. Please help spread the word and pass this message on to friends and family in Alaska.
Sincerely,
Chris Lindsey
Senior Legislative Analyst
Marijuana Policy Project
