JUNEAU — The board tasked with writing rules for Alaska’s legalized marijuana industry has approved allowing some retail pot stores to permit on-site consumption.
The 3-2 decision by the Marijuana Control Board on Friday followed a public comment process in which that issue was a hot topic.
The initiative legalizing recreational use of pot by those 21 and older prohibited public consumption but didn’t define public. Regulators adopted an emergency regulation when the law was taking effect that defined “in public” as a place to which the public or a substantial group of people have access. Some initiative supporters thought that definition too restrictive.
The board amended the definition of “in public” to allow for consumption on site at certain retail stores.
Colorado, Washington and Oregon, other states that have legalized recreational pot, ban public use.
