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MARIJUANA BOUNDARIES REQUIRE THOUGHT, PATIENCE

NORTH POLE - We sit at the face of a paradigm shift in the state of Alaska, one that for many Alaskans is seen as a triumph of personal freedom and sovereignty.  There is much truth in the declaration that we are at the commencement of something new for Alaska.  However, that newness is not with marijuana or cannabis, it is with the concept of commercializing a substance and plant that previously was only allowed for personal use.

The Alaska Supreme Court's Ravin decision in 1975 determined the Alaska Constitution allowed for a person to own and use small amounts of cannabis, but that marijuana sale, manufacturing and distribution were prohibited.  Ballot Measure 2, passed in 2014, permits the commercialization of cannabis and codifies the 2006 legislative action that reduced the permissible amount of personal possession from four ounces to one ounce.

What this means for Alaskans is that we have not only the opportunity but also the responsibility to ensure we are building a structure for commercialization that is right for our state and local communities.  What's needed is robust discussion and a clear methodology on the path that will lead us to the responsible commercialization and use of cannabis.  Although the path to our future may be one of challenge, it is important that we work together to find commonalities and not sow seeds of discord.

This can only happen if the community is willing to engage with our local leaders, with each other and with our state legislators.

Although I did not support Ballot Measure 2, I respect the sanctity of the local vote and will continue to do what I can to ensure that the commercialization of the cannabis industry is done in a responsible and safe manner for our community members who are cannabis users as well as those who are not, for those who voted to approve it and for those who did not.

There are many concerns to address and they will take a considerable amount of time to work through.

I would ask for the community to respect process and have patience as our local leaders work on guiding the community forward through these thought-provoking times.

I look forward to discussing the issues with folks and encourage citizens who are interested to attend our council meetings or come speak with me during my monthly "Muffins with the Mayor" event held from 8-10 a.m.  every third Friday of the month at North Pole City Hall.