The state of Alaska has begun seeking someone to operate its seed-to-sale marijuana tracking system. The system is expected to be the heart of the state’s legalized recreational marijuana industry, and according to state documents, Alaska has a budget of up to $2.5 million to spend.
The state issued a request for proposals on Dec. 7, and companies have until Jan. 6 to submit proposals. Evaluations and demonstrations will follow, with the state making its decision in early February.
According to Ballot Measure 2, approved by voters in 2014, Alaska will begin sales of recreational marijuana in 2016. The seed-to-sale tracking system, as called for by regulation, would prevent black-market marijuana from being sold over the counter.
As implemented in other states, the tracking system assigns a unique barcode or number to every plant. That number follows each flower or bud through the harvesting process and to the moment it is sold.
The state’s request for proposals calls for a three-year contract.
