Alaska is one of the eleven states that currently allows for both recreational and medical use of cannabis.
Throughout this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about cannabis laws and regulations in Alaska.
Recreational Cannabis
If you are 21 years of age or older, it is legal under Alaskan law for you to possess up to one ounce (28 grams) of cannabis. You are also allowed to have up to six cannabis plants at a time (as long as three or less are mature and flowering).
Through these laws, it is also legal for you to be in possession of cannabis accessories (i.e. bongs, pipes, papers).
Purchasing Limits
In some states, you are limited to how much cannabis you can purchase at one time. However, there are no purchasing limit laws in the state of Alaska.
Still, you’re only allowed to have one ounce on you at a time. This law is strictly enforced both in public and private places. So, in many regards, you are technically only allowed to purchase up to an ounce at a time.
In order to purchase recreational marijuana in Alaska, it’s required that you show a government-issued identification card to confirm you are 21 or over. If you attempt to purchase cannabis with a fake I.D. and are caught, you may receive a fine of up to $400.
Consumption
Just like other legal state in the U.S., cannabis consumption is restricted solely to private property and out of view of the public. This means you are not allowed to consume cannabis on federal or public land.
Some private businesses may allow cannabis to be consumed on their property. However, considering how new cannabis laws are, it’s likely you won’t run into businesses as such until later down the road.
If you are caught consuming cannabis in public, you are subject to a fine of up to $100.
Driving Under the Influence
It is strictly against the law to drive under the influence of marijuana within Alaska. If you do so, you’re subject to the same DUI charges and penalties as alcohol offenders.
Transportation
Since it’s legal to carry up to one ounce of marijuana on you, it’s also legal to transport up to an ounce. Not to mention, Alaskans also hold the legal right to transport up to six marijuana plants.
However, the cannabis must be placed in a child-proof container and be out-of-reach of the driver of the vehicle. It remains illegal to have an open container of cannabis in a vehicle – this includes passengers carrying an open container.
Not to mention, it’s illegal to consume cannabis within a vehicle. Even if that vehicle is stationary.
Exportation
You cannot carry cannabis across state lines and will receive a penalty if you are caught. This includes carrying cannabis across a state line where cannabis is also legal. For example, you can’t carry cannabis from California into Oregon.
Growing Cannabis
As mentioned, it is legal for individuals over the age of 21 to cultivate up to six marijuana plants. However, no more than three of these can be flowering at one time.
Cannabis cultivation must be located in an area that’s out of public view. This means plants must be sheltered from unauthorized access.
Not to mention, they can only be cultivated on the property that agrees to lawful possession. For example, if your landlord doesn’t agree to you growing cannabis on his/her property, it’s considered illegal.
Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis is legal within Alaska for patients ages 18 and over who have a state-licensed medical marijuana card. In order to obtain one of these cards, you must have one of the following qualifying conditions:
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Chronic or severe pain
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AID
- Muscle spasms (including aspects of multiple sclerosis)
- Seizures (including aspects of epilepsy)
- Severe nausea
All laws surrounding medical cannabis in Alaska are the same as their recreational laws. The only difference is you must hold a medical marijuana card.
If you’d like to fill out a medical marijuana application, you can do so through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.