Alaska Cannabis Laws

Is cannabis legal in Alaska?

Yes, cannabis is legal for medical and adult use in Alaska.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Alaska?

Medical cannabis:

1998

Measure 8 legalizes medical use of marijuana in Alaska. The measure allowed patients with a doctor’s recommendation to possess up to an ounce (28 g) of cannabis or grow six plants.

Recreational cannabis:

1975

The Alaska Supreme Court becomes the first – and only – U.S. state or federal court to announce a constitutional right to privacy that protects marijuana use and possession of small amounts of cannabis.

1982

Decriminalized possession of up to four ounces (110 g) of cannabis in the home, or one ounce (28 g) outside the home.

1990

Recriminalization of cannabis, imposing a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1000 for simple possession.

2000

Failed attempt at recreational legalization.

2003

Recriminalization of cannabis is struck down in Ravin v. State due to inconsistencies between 1982’s decriminalization and 1990’s recriminalization.

2004

Another failed attempt at legalization.

2014

Measure 2 passed with 53.2% of the vite to legalize adult use.

What medical conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Alaska?

The Alaska law lists the following medical conditions as qualifiers for a medical cannabis card:

• AIDS/HIV
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Chronic Pain
• Glaucoma
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscle Spasms
• Nausea
• Seizures

How do I get certified for medical cannabis in Alaska?

To become a medical cannabis patient in Alaska, you’ll need to:

• Attend a consultation
• Get approved and receive your certificate
• You can then complete your application online and pay the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services $25
• Your application will be reviewed and either approved or denied and you’ll receive your card once approved.

Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Alaska?

At this time, Leafwell does not offer our telemedicine services in Alaska.

How much cannabis can I possess in Alaska with an MMJ Card?

One ounce on your person and up to four ounces in the home for both medical and recreational cannabis users.

Is it legal to grow cannabis in Alaska?

You can grow up to 6 plants, with no more than 3 mature cannabis plants.

Does Alaska accept out-of-state cards?

Alaska does not accept out-of-state cards, but out-of-state patients may purchase adult use cannabis.

Will my Alaska card be accepted in other states?

Yes, an Alaska medical marijuana card is recognized in some other states with reciprocity.

The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:

• Arizona
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• US Virgin Islands
• Utah
• Washington, D.C.

However, this does not always mean you can purchase cannabis at a medical marijuana dispensary (non-medical adult use is fine) – just that you are protected by the state’s medical marijuana laws to some extent. It is wise to call the dispensary ahead if you are a medical cannabis patient from another state and you intend on purchasing medical marijuana.

The qualifying condition usually has to match between states, so if your qualifying condition is accepted in one state and not your visiting state, your recommendation is not necessarily valid. You are also beholden to the visiting state’s medical marijuana laws, not the state that issued your card.

The following states accept out-of-state applications, allowing a visiting patient application to use medical cannabis for the duration of their stay:

• Arkansas
• California
• Hawaii
• West Virginia (cancer patients only)

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis card holders in Alaska?

There are no laws in Alaska requiring employers to accommodate medical marijuana patients specifically. The law prohibits discrimination by schools, landlords, and employers, as well as discrimination in respect to organ transplants, other medical care, and custody or visitation, unless an exception applies.

What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in Alaska?

As of early 2020, certified labs in Alaska are testing for cannabinoid potency (including THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA and CBN), microbial contamination, residual solvents, and heavy metals.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in Alaska?

In all states with a medical marijuana program, the only way to purchase medicinal cannabis products is via a legally-licensed dispensary or pharmacy, or another legally designated space to purchase cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can actually do so.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in Alaska?

All states with a medical marijuana program have some restrictions on where a person can legally use cannabis. Near schools, nurseries, parks or other places where children are expected to be, using cannabis is illegal. Use of cannabis on or in federal land or buildings, hospitals or any other such healthcare space is also illegal. Private members club and landowners may also prohibit cannabis use on their property or restrict it at their discretion.

The safest place to use medical cannabis is in the safety of your own home. It is wise to use common sense and generally keep consumption out of public view, and utilize discreet consumption methods wherever possible.