Alaska: On Site Marijuana Consumption Rules Finalized

Lawmakers and regulators have signed off on new regulations explicitly permitting adults to consume cannabis at specially licensed retailers.

Under the new rules, which take effect April 11, licensed cannabis retailers may apply with state regulators for an additional “on site consumption endorsement.” Local governments may challenge the applications in certain instances, or initiate a municipal vote to limit on site activities.

It is anticipated that the initial on site consumption areas may be approved by this summer.

While some local municipalities — such as Denver, Colorado and West Hollywood, California — already regulate on site consumption sites, Alaska is the first adult use jurisdiction to establish such regulations statewide.

Proponents of the plan opine that licensed on site consumption spaces will be frequented by those who lack the ability to legally use cannabis in private — such as visiting tourists or those who reside in housing where marijuana use is not permitted — and that their establishment will reduce the likelihood of adults consuming cannabis in non-designated public spaces.