MEDICAL LAWS:
In 1998 the state of Alaska, along with several other states, enacted laws that would allow the compassionate use of medical marijuana, by patients with severely debilitating and chronic ailments. The state of Alaska issues medical marijuana picture I.D. cards to each patient. These patients were then allowed to cultivate, possess and partake in the use of cannabis for the following conditions:
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscle Disorders
- Nausea
Note: The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services may approve other ailments not on the list
Legalities:
Alaska state law rules that no medical marijuana patient or medical marijuana caregiver may possess any marijuana that exceeds 1 ounce. Additionally these patients or caregivers are limited to growing only 6 plants, of which only 3 are permitted to be in the flower cycle. For individuals seeking to become a caregiver for other medical marijuana patients state law dictates that they be at least 21-years-old and cannot have any felony offenses on their record which are drug or substance related. This caregiver may receive one of two titles: primary caregiver or alternate caregiver. The patient much decide which to list them as.
For more information or any questions pertaining to medical marijuana laws in Alaska, individuals are encouraged to contact one of the following:
- Alaskans for Medical Rights
- P.O. Box 102320
- Anchorage, AK 99510
- (907)-277-2567
- Alaska Department of Health and Social Services – ATTN: Terry Ahrens
- P.O.Box 110699
- Juneau, AK 99811-0699
- (907)-465-5423
RECREATIONAL LAWS:
In Alaska a person can get into a bit of trouble if they do not possess a medical marijuana card and are found with cannabis on them. The following data is for personal use only. Less than 1 ounce of usable marijuana is classified as a misdemeanor with a maximum of 90 days in jail and a fine of $2,000. 1 to 4 ounces is also a misdemeanor, however holds a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and a fine of $1,000. You don’t want to get caught with over 4 ounces, as it results in a felony offense with the possibility of 5 years in prison and a monstrous fine of $50,000. Any person caught with any amount of marijuana on their person may be slapped with 5 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.
Moving up from personal use, individuals who are charged with intent to distribute less than 1 ounce of marijuana may receive misdemeanor charges and up to a year in jail, with a $10,000 fine. For over 1 ounce that person can receive a felony with up to 5 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.
Sale/Delivery holds much steeper charges. Sale/delivery of less than one ounce is a misdemeanor with the possibility of a year in jail and a $10,000 fine. 1 ounce or greater can result in felony charges, 5 years in prison and a $1,000 fine. If any person sells any amount of marijuana to someone under the age of 19 and at least three years younger than themselves, that person can receive a felony with up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $100,000.
The illegal cultivation of cannabis in Alaska will result in a felony with 5 years and a $1,000 fine for over one ounce of marijuana cultivated. No laws state anything about numbers of plants. Only amount of marijuana produced at the time of discovery.
Hash/Concentrates are not something Alaskans want to get caught with either. Possession of 3 grams or less can result in up to a year in jail, misdemeanor charges and a $10,000 fine. However, greater than 3 grams can result in felony charges, 2 years in prison and charges of $50,000. Delivery and manufacture or intent to distribute is also a felony with 1 to 3 years incarceration and a $100,000 fine.
