Pubdate: Fri, 06 Mar 2015
Source: Alaska Dispatch News (AK)
Copyright: 2015 The Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.adn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/18
Note: Anchorage Daily News until July '14
Author: Molly Dischner, The Associated Press

AS LAWMAKERS TAKE UP MARIJUANA LEGISLATION, FEDERAL ISSUES LOOM

JUNEAU (AP) -- Some Alaska lawmakers are concerned about federal 
enforcement as the state works to legalize marijuana.

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to discuss federal issues 
related to state legalization Thursday morning as it discusses the 
decriminalization bill.

Although Alaska voters approved possession, personal use and 
transportation of limited quantities of marijuana for adults 21 and 
older, it remains illegal federally.

Related: Stoned rabbits? DEA agent says medical marijuana endangers 
bunnies Sorry, high rollers: Marijuana is nowhere near legal in these 
United States

Sen. Pete Kelly said Tuesday that he was concerned that marijuana 
remained illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

Sen. Anna MacKinnon said the committee would receive an update 
Thursday on whether lawmakers can draft state laws that violate federal laws.

The bill up for discussion allows limited personal use of marijuana 
and details when marijuana use is still a crime, such as on ski lifts 
and in public.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom