In a move that shall benefit adult consumers as well as those in the community who advocate regulations, the Alaska Marijuana Control Board decided to create a classification of retail marijuana license that will allow on-site consumption.
Despite the clarity in the language contained in Measure 2, some staff members advised the Board that it
could not authorize retail licenses to allow consumption onsite. Those who supported Measure 2 were a bit alarmed that the issue would result in confusion and needlessly delay as the Board, rather than exercise its own authority, would deferred the decision to lawmakers.
Public comments reaching the Board unanimously supported the change and commended the Board for taking this important step. It is observed that while the definition of “public,” as adopted by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board in February, has improved with this change, it, however, still falls short of recognizing the rights private business owners have under the law.
On the other hand, the decision of the Board marks a significant moment in the rulemaking process and is considered a success for those who labored so hard to make Alaska’s regulations
successful.