The state Senate Finance Committee on Friday afternoon adopted an amendment that would make marijuana concentrates illegal in two years.
The amendment was added to Senate Bill 30, which deals with marijuana criminal statutes. The bill has morphed numerous times since being introduced in the Senate Judiciary Committee -- the most recent version maintains marijuana as a controlled substance and allows for felony charges for some marijuana misconduct. The bill was met by vehement public opposition during a hearing Wednesday.
The amendment adopted Friday redefines marijuana as the seeds, leaves, buds and flowers of the plant.
Resins, oils extracted from the plants, "or any compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation from resin or oil," including hashish or hash oil, would not be considered "marijuana" under the definition.
This definition would thus effectively ban concentrates and hash oil.
Sen. Pete Kelly, R-Fairbanks, who offered the amendment, said afterward he has "never liked the idea of concentrates (being included in the initiative)."
Under the amendment, the measure would take effect Feb. 24, 2017. On that date, two years after the initiative is in effect, the Legislature can repeal or make substantial amendments to the initiative. Before then, the Legislature is barred from making substantial changes.
The amendment passed 4-3, with Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, Sen. Mike Dunleavy, R-Wasilla, and Sen. Anna MacKinnon, R-Eagle River, dissenting.
MacKinnon said afterward, "For those listening at home, this is democracy in action."
MacKinnon said the committee was "trying to do everything we can to implement the will of the people."
Bruce Schulte of the Coalition for Responsible Cannabis Legislation said Kelly's amendment "guaranteed the failure of a legitimate marijuana industry in Alaska."
"His constituents should be furious, and he should be embarrassed," Schulte said.
To become law, the measure would need to pass the full Senate and the state House and be signed by the governor.