Alaska Marijuana Laws
Alaska State Information Page
- Medical and recreational use is legalized.
- Decriminalized statewide for personal use.
- Possession of one ounce is acceptable for adults.
- Cultivation of six plants is allowed for personal use and will remain untaxed.
Marijuana has been legal for recreational use in Alaska since 2014 for adults, medical cardholders, and caregivers. Despite cannabis’ recreational and medical-legal status, several laws surrounding marijuana use in Alaska may change.
Lawmakers in Alaska went back on their allowance for delivery in 2020 due to a conflict with federal cannabis laws. It continues to be a struggle to figure out for state legislatures.
State Laws and Offenses
Here’s a list of penalties for Alaska’s possession, sale, and distribution of marijuana, concentrate, or paraphernalia.
- Marijuana is a Schedule VIA substance according to Alaska law
- Federally, cannabis is still considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance and illegal.
- Cannabis possession: Adults may possess up to one ounce of recreational cannabis and grow up to six marijuana plants (no more than three mature) for non-commercial purposes. Adult residents may keep up to four ounces of marijuana produced on their property in a sealed container at home.
- It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one-year imprisonment and a fine of up to 10,000 USD to possess with intent to distribute less than 1 ounce of marijuana.
- Retail sales of cannabis by state-licensed entities are regulated in the state and adults over 21 can purchase marijuana for personal use. Marijuana sales by unlicensed entities remain subject to criminal penalties.
- Adults at least 21 years of age may possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six marijuana plants (no more than three mature and three immature marijuana plants) for non-commercial purposes.
- Alaska does not have any laws punishing cannabis consumers for paraphernalia possession, sale, or manufacture.
Alaska allows patients to seek medical marijuana with a registered card for treating debilitating conditions including:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV
- Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
- Severe pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Persistent muscle spasms
- Multiple sclerosis
1.
Book An Appointment
You will schedule an appointment to see a medical marijuana doctor in Alaska at a time that is most convenient for you when a physician who can evaluate you on-site.
2.
Certification
The doctor will provide an original hand-written and signed certificate.
3.
Register with State
Mail the certificate, together with the application and required documentation to the state. The state will mail back the patient’s Medical Card.
Does Alaska accept out-of-state medical cards?
Alaska does not accept out-of-state medical cards, but an adult medical patient can visit a legal dispensary to purchase with an ID.
When does my Alaska medical card expire?
Medical cards expire one year from the date the patient completes the registration process with the state.
Alaska marijuana DUI laws
Here are the penalties according to the Alaska constitution for driving under the influence:
- The first offense will result in a misdemeanor, three days of jail time, a 1,500 USD fine, a ninety-day license suspension, and an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
- The second offense will result in twenty days in jail, a 3,000 USD fine, a one-year minimum license suspension, and an IID.
- The third offense will result in an unclassified felony, up to a year in jail, fines up to 10,000 USD, three years of a suspended license, and an IID.
Alaska marijuana growing laws
The state of Alaska allows Recreational and medical users to grow six plants on private property, with no more than three flowering at once.
Alaska public consumption laws
The state of Alaska does not allow public consumption of cannabis and, if caught, will result in a 100 USD fine. This is especially the case regarding consuming cannabis near school grounds so as not to risk secondhand smoke inhalation by minors.
Alaska city specific laws
The laws listed here are for the state. Cities, counties, schools, universities, and employers may set their own rules and consequences. Be sure to check how marijuana laws differ in each county or town before you use.
According to public opinion and voting, approximately fifty-two percent of Alaska residents approved Measure 2 to legalize weed for adult use and allow home cultivation.
Yes, Medical marijuana inhalation devices are legal in the state of Alaska; however, smoking is not allowed in public.
Yes, the cultivation of up to six plants (three flowering plants) for personal consumption is legal and will remain untaxed.
Medical marijuana cards are legal for adults or caregivers of adults and minors in Alaska once the following requirements are met:
- Patients must determine if they have a qualifying condition during an in-person visit with their Primary Physician.
- Patients with qualifying conditions or caregivers of qualified patients must fill out an application for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
- The application must include: a) a legible photocopy of the Alaska State Driver’s License or Identification Card of the patient and all caregivers; b) a signed Physician’s statement; c) patient’s medical records; d) contact information from the Physician, patient, and caregiver if applicable.
- Processing a medical card application can take up to five weeks.
As of 2022, there are approximately 135 dispensaries statewide.
Cannabis Policy Reform Timeline
1975: The Alaska Supreme Court ruled that residents were able to decriminalize cannabis, and home cultivation allowed for small amounts of cannabis in a private residence.
1990: The state legislature re-criminalized possession for a short time, and penalties were set in place
1998: Alaska Medical Marijuana Initiative allowed medical patients to use cannabis
2014: Voters approved Ballot Measure 2. The new law was passed to legalize weed for recreational use and following only two other states, Alaska became the third state to do so.
2016: Legal recreational dispensaries began to open and supply marijuana products in Alaska. The Home, Alcohol, and Marijuana Control Office has established a Marijuana Control Board to oversee the cannabis industry.
2019: Onsite consumption became legal for cannabis stores with the proper license to be a recreation center.
2022: Efforts are being made to update and improve both recreational and medical programs under Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer.
Some of the Current Cannabis Bills in Alaska
Learn more about Cannabis legalization in Alaska:
Updated 6.14.2022