Alaska allows people to use Marijuana at Stores

Posted by Sagar Satapathy on November 25, 2015.

Alaska, which had legalized recreational marijuana one year ago, has become the first state in the U.S. to allow the pot to be used at certain stores that have the permission to sell it. So far, only Colorado, Alaska, Washington and Oregon have allowed the recreational use of marijuana. But, no states are allowing users to use pot at the stores.

The decision was taken at the Marijuana Control Board of Alaska with a 3-2 verdict. They changed the definition of the term "in public" to allow consumption of marijuana at pot shops. Alaska has set a precedent with this decision. Other states may too debate it and follow suit.

Alaska passed the ballot measure to allow recreational marijuana in last November. People 21 year and older are allowed to use pot for recreational purpose. Like other states, the ballot initiative did not define "public", leading to confusion. Now, the amendment clearly defined the term as a place where the public or a substantial group of people have access. The pot shops do not fall in that category.

The board also made sure to allow consumption of pot in a designated area at certain licensed pot stores. It had earlier said it lacked the legal authority to create a license permitting public use. Another round of regulations may come up to outline which types of marijuana will be allowed at the licensed stores.

Colorado, which was the first state in the U.S. to legalize recreational marijuana, has banned use of pot in public and bars. People were found penalized for smoking pot on sidewalks and public parks. In Washington, marijuana use is restricted to private places.

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