Pubdate: Wed, 28 Jan 2015
Source: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (AK)
Copyright: 2015 Associated Press
Contact:  http://newsminer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/764

ALASKA MARIJUANA ACTIVIST PLANS TO OPEN MEDICAL POT DISPENSARY

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A marijuana activist is planning to open a 
medical pot dispensary in Anchorage next month on the day 
recreational marijuana becomes legalized in Alaska under a ballot 
initiative approved by voters in November.

Alaska Cannabis Club owner Charlo Greene has scheduled the opening 
for Feb. 24, the Alaska Dispatch News (http://is.gd/1iFeUY) reported.

The sale of marijuana remains illegal, with the state not accepting 
business applications until February 2016.

Ballot Measure 2 decriminalizes the possession, use and nonsale 
transfer of up to an ounce of marijuana when the new law takes effect 
next month. The initiative also set in motion the legalization and 
permitting of marijuana sales.

Greene's reasoning for the dispensary is that the initiative requires 
licenses for recreational marijuana businesses. People coming in to 
her club will make nonmandatory donations in exchange for marijuana, 
she said. Greene also plans to begin a "co-op" for club members who 
are recreational marijuana users and can exchange pot products 
between themselves.

State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board director Cynthia Franklin said 
activity, including co-ops, not specifically covered under the 
initiative remains illegal.

Franklin said Greene is doing a disservice for people who are waiting 
to see what the rules are.

"The voters voted for rules," Franklin said. "The voters did not vote 
for chaos."

Greene, whose legal name is Charlene Egbe, made national headlines 
last year when she quit her job as a television reporter with a 
four-letter outburst, saying she'd advocate for legalized marijuana.

Greene said the club has secured two out-of-state attorneys. The club 
also is working with two paralegals in Alaska, according to Greene.

She said she doubts the government would spend the time shutting down 
a medical marijuana dispensary that helps people who are ill.

"We're going to do it anyway," she said. "And no, I'm not really 
worried. Not at all."

Information from: Alaska Dispatch News, http://www.adn.com
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom