Alaska looking for public input on in-store marijuana consumption

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The proposal is backed by the Marijuana Policy Project

Regulators in Alaska want to know what the public thinks. It is looking for public input on a proposal that would authorize social marijuana use at certain licensed facilities and is part of a bigger plan by the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), which hopes to one day see marijuana allowed in bars and restaurants where alcohol is served.

Proponents of the measure argue that the current regulations in the state are overly strict. Adults are only allowed to consume in private residences, and the proponents are hoping to convince the Marijuana Control Board that the industry deserves a greater amount of flexibility.

Per the proposal, marijuana retailers would be able to apply for an endorsement that would authorize them to sell up to a gram of cannabis and edibles that contain up to 10mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The marijuana purchased could then be consumed in the facility, provided it adheres to certain policies regarding security and ventilation.

There would be additional regulations put in place, as well. No visible smoke would be permitted to exit the building, there couldn’t be any detectable odor beyond property lines, air-handling equipment would be required to ventilate outside and there would be nuisance provisions created to protect neighbors. Additionally, individual jurisdictions in Alaska would be able to opt out of the program.

Virtually no state allows “social consumption” of marijuana. Denver, CO and San Francisco, CA are the two rare exceptions. If Alaska approves the proposal, it would become the first state in the U.S. to permit on-site consumption.