Alaska Marijuana Law

The Complete Guide to Marijuana in Alaska

It is many things to many people. Pot. Weed. Cannabis. Marijuana. It is a drug used predominantly for medicinal or recreational purposes. It can be used in different manners too, it can be within food, it can be smoked, vaporized. Smoking and vaping are the most common manners of use when it’s used either recreationally or medicinally.

Marijuana in Alaska has been legal for recreational use since November 2014. That last sentence is correct on the basis of a technicality, as it didn’t become officially implemented until February the following year. 

Let’s take a page from science fiction and take a ride back in time to 1975 where Marijuana was first legalized by the Alaska Supreme Court in the Ravin v. State case. Getting back on our ride, and then proceeding to 1982, people were well within their rights to possess up to 4 ounces of Marijuana in their homes and 1 ounce outside their houses.

It was however recriminalized by Measure 2 in 1990, with 54.3% of the vote. And the punishment for simple possession was up to 90 days in jail, in beloved harmony with a fine of up to $1000. 

A few years down the line in 1998, Measure 8 legalized medical use of Marijuana in the state. This allowed patients, with a doctor’s recommendation to grow as much as 6 plants or carry up to an ounce.

In 2000, there was an attempt to legalize the recreational use of Marijuana. It failed. And failed again in 2004. It got worse in 2006, with Gov. Frank Murkowski pushing the measure which stipulated that possession of under 1 ounce was considered a misdemeanor to be punished by as many as 90 days in jail. 

Possession of 1 to 4 ounces was also a misdemeanor, only punished more with up to a year in jail time on the table if you were caught. Possession of over 4 ounces was a felony. Serious stuff.

In 2014 however, things changed. Measure 2, which was to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, passed. With 53.2% of the vote enough to secure passage into the Legal threshold. 

Measure 2 allowed adults aged 21 or more to possess up to an ounce and cultivate six plants. As mentioned earlier, all of these only became active in February 2015.

Finally, we can step out of our time machine and proceed in the here and now. What do the laws say about use and enjoyment of marijuana in Alaska? Here’s all you should know.Marijuana in Alaska has been legal for recreational use since November 2014. Otherwise, click here if your looking for the Marijuana Laws of another state.

Marijuana in Alaska has been legal for recreational use since November 2014.

Who Can Buy Marijuana in Alaska?

Anyone 21 years and older can buy marijuana in Alaska at retail shops in places like Sitka, Juneau all around the community. Under the law in Alaska, you are permitted to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana. Provided you’re aged 21 or more.

In the case of medicinal usage, the minimum age is 18 years. And it must be on the recommendation of your doctor. 

The first marijuana stores, or dispensaries if you will, opened in October 2016 and are in service to the general public. You can lawfully possess up to six plants with a catch stating that 3 or fewer are mature and flowering. You can grow your own weed. 

In any case, you need to show proof of your identity in the form of a government-issued identity card. Fake IDs leave you liable to fines up to $400. Be smart, don’t use a fake ID. Wait till you’re 21 to buy weed.

In the case of medicinal usage, the minimum age is 18 years. And it must be on the recommendation of your doctor.

Where Can I Buy Marijuana in Alaska?

Provided you’re aged 21 or older, you can buy marijuana in Alaska from licensed dispensaries. Purchasing weed from dealers or any place other than a licensed dispensary is illegal and punishable by law.

There are at least 10 licensed dispensaries in Anchorage, at least 8 in Fairbanks about the same number in Juneau. Almost every town in the state has at least 1 licensed dispensary. A significant portion of these dispensaries have their current menus online. And also, they take cash only. A few have ATMs to help you out. 

There are at least 10 licensed dispensaries in Anchorage, at least 8 in Fairbanks about the same number in Juneau

How Much Can I Buy at once?

Depends on your definition of “Much”. Not exactly, because the Law considers 1 ounce to be much, hence why you are limited to buying no more than 1 ounce at a go. That’s the definition that matters.

I already have broached this but considered it pertinent that I address it properly and on an individual basis. You are permitted to buy no more than 1 ounce of marijuana once.

Where Can I Smoke Marijuana in Alaska?

It’s a magnificent thing that marijuana can now be used recreationally, but as always with freedom, constraints are necessary to separate order from chaos.

You are allowed by law to consume marijuana on private property. And that applies to property you own.

 If you’re a tenant, your landlord may not take kindly to you using it on his property and is well within his rights to completely restrict your usage of marijuana. Same goes for hotels, and bars. Hotels particularly, usually have policies that restrict smoking. 

Although, they vary. Do your due diligence and ask the staff at the hotel.

Under Alaskan law, you are not allowed to use it in public places. You are also prohibited from smoking or vaping it on Federal property like national parks and Federal Preserves. Because it is still illegal under federal law. 

In true Alaskan fashion, solutions have been propounded with regulations in December 2018 allowing existing licensed marijuana dispensaries to create safe spaces of some sort, for marijuana bought from them to be consumed.

Public consumption can be punished by fines up to $100. It’s a citation, it goes on your record. Like a parking ticket would. But it’s not a criminal charge. 

Additionally, workplace use would leave you liable to being fired if your employer has no tolerance for marijuana use. This is pertinent in offices and factories already prone to workplace injuries. Find out what the law is in your workplace.

Can I Smoke Marijuana and Drive in Alaska?

Some things don’t change. This is one of those things. It’s still illegal to drive under the influence of drugs and substances. This is also linked to the transportation of marijuana which is also strictly prohibited. 

This is not limited to driving. You can’t travel either by ship or by air. Even if it is to another place where it is legal. Because, as mentioned earlier, Federal Law still considers marijuana a drug on the same level with heroin and LSD.

You can be charged by Federal bodies in relation to marijuana usage. It’s not worth the hassle attempting to transport marijuana between states. You would be better off consuming it within the legal confines. It is pretty much illegal in all states. including Maine.

Conclusion

The rules surrounding the use of Marijuana in Alaska are pretty straightforward. You have to be 21 at the very least. Not buy more than 1 ounce at once, have no more than 6 plants in your possession. 

You can give it out if you so wish, also you give not more than 1 ounce or 6 plants as long as no remuneration is accepted.

You can’t transport it, or consume it on public property or Federally managed terrain. 

You are not allowed to drive under the influence of marijuana. Your best bet is to get your marijuana at licensed dispensaries and consume there or take to a private residence where its use is not prohibited.

Keep these in mind and you will be fine.

Check out our other Marijuana Legislation articles here.