Gov. Bill Walker announced Tuesday he now has confidence Alaska marijuana regulations will be implemented on schedule, after saying earlier this month he was exploring the possibility of extending the timeline for developing regulations.
In a written statement, Walker said he had met with leaders from the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Department of Revenue and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to discuss the issue.
Ballot Measure 2 specifically gives the state nine months to craft marijuana regulations after the measure goes into effect on Feb. 24.
"We have strong, cooperative leadership heading up implementation of this very important act," Walker said in the release. "They assured me that we can meet the statutory and regulatory timelines outlined in the initiative that voters passed in November. I'm confident that we will be diligent in our efforts to make sure we have adequate regulations for this new industry in place and on time."
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which is currently handling the regulations unless a Marijuana Control Board is created, has already indicated that they believe they will be able to implement the regulations in the nine-month period.
The release also said the Department of Public Safety, Department of Health and Social Services, and the Department of Environmental Conservation are all working closely with DCCED to "ensure seamless enforcement" of Alaska marijuana law.
Alaska marijuana advocates had expressed concern following Walker's announcement of a possible delay. On Tuesday, The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Alaska said in an email they appreciate Walker's leadership on the issue and that he is "engaging proactively in the process."
"We look forward to working with Gov. Walker and state leaders to build a strong regulatory framework that will reverse the failures of marijuana prohibition while also creating new jobs and much-needed revenue for our state," said Tim Hinterberger, one of the co-sponsors of Ballot Measure 2.
The ABC Board also announced it had updated its list of frequently asked questions about marijuana Tuesday, adding information on the timeline for legalization. The board said it expects to begin accepting applications for marijuana business licenses by Feb. 24, 2016. The first licenses should be awarded by late May 2016.
The board also included a section on financing in its updated FAQ, noting that investors should be aware of securities and banking law before engaging in a marijuana-related business.
As an example, said Kevin Anselm, director of the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities under DCCED, it's illegal to try to secure investors through advertising, even on Craigslist or Facebook.
Securing financing has been one of the trickiest parts of establishing marijuana businesses in other states, since federal law still expressly prohibits the substance, often making banks leery of lending to marijuana entrepreneurs. Anselm said the division hasn't had any marijuana businesses reach out to them directly, but they're expecting an influx of businesses as a result of legalization.
"There are ways to raise money from friends, family and neighbors without getting in trouble," Anselm said. "… Alaska is open for business. It just has to be done appropriately."