Marijuana Is Now Legal In Alaska
As of today smoking, growing and possessing small amounts of marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska—making it the third state in the nation to legalize the recreational use of the mighty herb. Congratulations. We’re stoked for you guys.
“Alaska now has some of the most sensible marijuana laws in the nation,” said Dr. Tim Hinterberger, chair of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in a statement.
The Republican leaning state of Alaska passed the measure last November. Now anyone 21 or older can possess up to an ounce of marijuana in Alaska and can grow up to six marijuana plants, three of which can be flowering. But don’t get too excited, there’s still a few kinks left to be worked out…
“There are no stores yet, but black market sales are still illegal,” says Alaska Public Media’s Alexandra Gutierrez, reports NPR. That’s because buying and selling weed still remains illegal in the state. It also remains illegal on a Federal level, but who’s keeping track? However private exchanges of pot are allowed in Alaska if money is not involved.
“You can still give people marijuana, but you can’t buy it — or even barter for it,” says Gutierrez. “So, it’s a pretty legally awkward spot. That probably won’t stop people from acquiring it, though.” Confusing? Yep. That’s why police in Anchorage posted a “Know Your Grow” page.
Local and state regulators are currently drafting rules for the taxation and sale of marijuana in the state. They’re also mapping out the places where consumption will be off-limits—getting stoned in public is not allowed. These new rules must be adopted by November 24 of this year—which means Alaska’s first pot shops will likely open in 2016. Hell yeah.
If you remember correctly last November voters in Oregon also approved a measure legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. But residents there will have to wait until July before it becomes legal throughout the state.
What state do you live in and how close do you think it is to legalizing WEED? Let us know in the comments below…
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