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This June 2016 photo shows then-Alaska Marijuana Control Board member Brandon Emmett at the board's meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. Regulators amid much fanfare in early 2020 approved the first cannabis lounges in Alaska. It was a milestone for the state's legal marijuana industry. Then the pandemic hit. An owner of one of the shops hopes to open later this year. An owner of the other said his shop opened briefly last fall before having to hit pause amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across the state. Emmett, a former member of the Marijuana Control Board who strongly advocated for rules to allow onsite use, said he thinks the number of cannabis lounges or cafes in the state will be limited "for at least a couple years." (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Pandemic puts pause on on-site use for some Alaska pot shops

By Becky Bohrer Associated Press Regulators amid much fanfare in early 2020 approved two cannabis lounges in Alaska, making it one of the few states… Continue reading

 

Loren Jones speaks about marijuana to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce at its weekly luncheon at the Moose Lodge in this January 2019 photo. Gov. Mike Dunleavy did not reappoint Jones to the Marijuana Control Board. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Jones out as Alaska marijuana board member

“I’m about to turn 75; I’m still on the Juneau Assembly. I’ve got lots of things to occupy my time.”

 

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CBJ looks to revoke pot shop licenses when taxes are late

“Where there’s chronic delinquency, there needs to be enforcement.”

 

Downtown shop may be 1st to offer onsite pot consumption

Downtown shop may be 1st to offer onsite pot consumption

No smoking.

Downtown shop may be 1st to offer onsite pot consumption
Agents Amanda Toma and Ashley Brodeur work with customers outside in the parking lot of cannabis purveyor Berkshire Roots in Pittsfield, Mass. Laws legalizing recreational marijuana may lead to more traffic deaths, two new studies suggest, although questions remain about how they might influence driving habits. Previous research has had mixed results and the new studies, published Monday, June 22, 2020, in JAMA Internal Medicine, can’t prove that the traffic death increases they found were caused by marijuana use. (Gillian Jones/The Berkshire Eagle via AP, File)

Recreational pot laws may boost traffic deaths, studies say

One study found an excess 75 traffic deaths per year after retail sales began in Colorado.

Agents Amanda Toma and Ashley Brodeur work with customers outside in the parking lot of cannabis purveyor Berkshire Roots in Pittsfield, Mass. Laws legalizing recreational marijuana may lead to more traffic deaths, two new studies suggest, although questions remain about how they might influence driving habits. Previous research has had mixed results and the new studies, published Monday, June 22, 2020, in JAMA Internal Medicine, can’t prove that the traffic death increases they found were caused by marijuana use. (Gillian Jones/The Berkshire Eagle via AP, File)
Patrons wait outside a cannabis business in Juneau on Monday, March 30, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Cannabis industry rolls along despite pandemic

It’s not all flower.

Patrons wait outside a cannabis business in Juneau on Monday, March 30, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)
Cash only? Bill could change the way Southeast’s marijuana businesses work

Cash only? Bill could change the way Southeast’s marijuana businesses work

SAFE Banking Act might be the end of cash-only operations.

Cash only? Bill could change the way Southeast’s marijuana businesses work
Talkin’ pot shop: Onsite consumption will get more consideration

Talkin’ pot shop: Onsite consumption will get more consideration

Onsite smoking is a consuming issue

Talkin’ pot shop: Onsite consumption will get more consideration
Jennifer Canfield, co-owner of marijuana retailer Green Elephant, talks on Monday, June 24, 2019, about how the company might turn its backyard into an onsite consumption garden if given permission by the city. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire) <em></em>

Live: Assembly considers onsite smoking, a new name for the Willoughby District and more

Live coverage of the Assembly meeting

Jennifer Canfield, co-owner of marijuana retailer Green Elephant, talks on Monday, June 24, 2019, about how the company might turn its backyard into an onsite consumption garden if given permission by the city. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire) <em></em>
In this Feb. 20, 2015 photo, Alaska Cannabis Club CEO Charlo Greene prepares to roll a joint at the medical marijuana dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska. (Mark Thiessen | Associated Press File)

You may soon be able to smoke where you shop

City ordinance is moving along.

In this Feb. 20, 2015 photo, Alaska Cannabis Club CEO Charlo Greene prepares to roll a joint at the medical marijuana dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska. (Mark Thiessen | Associated Press File)
Marijuana regulators vent over investigative help

Marijuana regulators vent over investigative help

The dispute dates to last November.

Marijuana regulators vent over investigative help
Dunleavy not planning marijuana board repeal this session

Dunleavy not planning marijuana board repeal this session

Governor’s focus will be on other legislative priorities.

Dunleavy not planning marijuana board repeal this session
Smoke ‘em if you bought ‘em: Marijuana retailers would like to offer smoking space

Smoke ‘em if you bought ‘em: Marijuana retailers would like to offer smoking space

Businesses take first steps toward onsite consumption.

Smoke ‘em if you bought ‘em: Marijuana retailers would like to offer smoking space
In this Feb. 20, 2015 photo, Alaska Cannabis Club CEO Charlo Greene prepares to roll a joint at the medical marijuana dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska. (Mark Thiessen | Associated Press File)

Should Juneau change its laws to allow marijuana consumption at certain locations? The city just weighed in

Future of onsite edibles and smoking still hazy.

In this Feb. 20, 2015 photo, Alaska Cannabis Club CEO Charlo Greene prepares to roll a joint at the medical marijuana dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska. (Mark Thiessen | Associated Press File)
Alaska approves regulations for marijuana consumption in retail shops

Alaska approves regulations for marijuana consumption in retail shops

But don’t expect an influx in smoking cafes.

Alaska approves regulations for marijuana consumption in retail shops
Marijuana industry professionals say they heeded warning of Colorado’s mistakes, did a better job

Marijuana industry professionals say they heeded warning of Colorado’s mistakes, did a better job

Speaker warns of ‘weed refugees.’

Marijuana industry professionals say they heeded warning of Colorado’s mistakes, did a better job
Controversial marijuana board appointee meets resistance in confirmation hearing

Controversial marijuana board appointee meets resistance in confirmation hearing

Skeptics worry she is still anti-marijuana.

Controversial marijuana board appointee meets resistance in confirmation hearing
Alaska moves closer to onsite marijuana use in certain areas

Alaska moves closer to onsite marijuana use in certain areas

Department of Law finds no legal problems with rules approved by regulators.

Alaska moves closer to onsite marijuana use in certain areas
Dunleavy spokesman: Governor has no intention to roll back legal marijuana

Dunleavy spokesman: Governor has no intention to roll back legal marijuana

Further details expected when Dunleavy introduces repeal legislation.

Dunleavy spokesman: Governor has no intention to roll back legal marijuana
Dunleavy eyes repeal of alcohol, pot boards

Dunleavy eyes repeal of alcohol, pot boards

Governor wants to transfer authority, responsibilities of boards to commissioner.

Dunleavy eyes repeal of alcohol, pot boards