As Alaska Marijuana Legalization Nears, Concern Arises Over Possible Delay in Sales Rules

As Alaska prepares for marijuana legalization, there are plenty of unknowns about what implementation will look like. But for supporters of Ballot Measure 2, one thing is clear: A strict timeline was built into the voter-passed initiative to guide rule makers and citizens through the legalization process.

Starting Feb. 24, personal possession and use of recreational marijuana will be legal in Alaska. That date also starts the clock on a nine-month countdown for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to begin crafting marijuana regulations.

But that date also starts a two-year countdown to Feb. 24, 2017, when the Legislature can, under the Alaska constitution, repeal the entire law.

Among the law's supporters, there is quiet concern that legislators and other public officials will attempt to extend the rule-making schedule, in effect slowing the process and potentially stopping implementation.

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