Alaska Marijuana Laws

Alaska is among the more progressive states for decriminalizing marijuana laws, with small amounts of possession actually being legal. The sale and distribution of marijuana, however, is still illegal, and it is advised that you consult a marijuana attorney should you be facing any marijuana charges, especially since certain areas of Alaska marijuana law contain ‘grey areas’ in regard to penalties and prosecution. Yearly, according to the Department of Justice, Alaska arrests around 1,500 people for marijuana-related offenses. The DEA estimates that close to 26,000 pounds of marijuana are grown yearly in Alaska, which have a street value of between $128-$205 million dollars.

Medical Marijuana Users 

Alaskans voted in medical marijuana laws in 1998. If a patient suffering from chronic pain, HIV or AIDS, epilepsy and other disorders characterized by seizures, cancer, cachexia, MS, and other disorders characterized by muscle spasms or nausea receives documentation from a physician that they ‘might benefit from the medical use of marijuana, than that patient or their primary caregiver may legally posses and cultivate marijuana. By law, they may possess 1 oz or less and cultivate 6 plants or less, with no more than three being mature. All qualifying patients are put into a confidential state-run registry and are issued identification cards. In addition, medical users are exempt from the laws governing being within 500 feet or less of a school or recreational center if their home falls within that radius.

Non-Medical Users:

Non-medical users can currently use small amounts of marijuana in their homes for personal use, although this decriminalization is currently being challenged by the state in court. It is still illegal for non-medical users to sell or cultivate marijuana.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession and Use in Alaska:

Penalties for Growing, Selling, and Trafficking:  

Cultivation:

Sale:

Penalties for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana

The penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana are comparable to those for individuals found driving under the influence of any mind-altering substance, such alcohol.  However, proving “under the influence” is difficult to quantify, given the state laws prohibiting any possession or use, therefore, arrests, and charges will be processed as a regular dui offense, with even more potential to dispute the charges than with the typical alcohol-related dui arrest.  Additionally, individuals should note that any arrest for marijuana possession, sale, cultivation, or trafficking carries an administrative penalty of driver’s license suspension in the state of Alabama for a period of six (6) months.

Legal Help with a Marijuana Offense

It is highly advisable that you seek the help of a marijuana attorney if you are involved in a marijuana offense in Alaska. A lawyer can help guide you through the unique laws of Alaska, and work to reduce or in some cases even get a dismissal of you charge or charges. A lawyer will also ensure your rights and covered, and will be able to advice you of any and all options you are entitled to under the law.

If you are seeking legal help with a marijuana offense, a marijuana lawyer in the state of Alabama can help you resolve outstanding charges in the jurisdiction of your arrest.  In most cases, possession arrests are dealt with in a rehabilitative manner, rather than punitive.  Therefore, alternative sentencing arrangements may be procured through a favorable plea bargain.  Defendants only with the appropriate legal counsel from a marijuana attorney typically receive these favorable outcomes.