Communities across Alaska continue to develop their own local laws regarding commercial marijuana. Here are the latest developments:
On March 3, the Kodiak Island Borough assembly voted to temporarily opt-out of commercial marijuana sales. The ban is in place until Feb. 28, 2017, according to a copy of the ordinance provided by the borough. The city of Kodiak is not affected, but last month city manager Aimée Kniaziowski noted that the city's small and irregular boundaries create challenges for the industry, as commercial space is limited.
The Southeast city of Craig's city council voted to ban commercial grows, manufacturers and testing facilities on March 3. Two retail stores are allowed in the city under the ordinance.
The Bristol Bay Borough has introduced an ordinance banning commercial operations for one year. It will be voted on at its April 4 meeting, according to the borough manager's office.
In Anchorage, a $1,700 fee was created for special land use permits for all four license types. The fees will cover the Planning Department's cost of processing applications, the ordinance explanation says. The ordinance passed at a March 8 assembly meeting. On April 5, voters will decide on a 5 percent marijuana sales tax; on April 12 the assembly will vote on an ordinance creating a neighborhood responsibility plan.
Barrow is slated to discuss a local ordinance establishing the city as the local regulatory authority for commercial marijuana at its March 24 meeting, according to the city clerk's office.