Alaska becomes the first U.S. state to allow cannabis lounges

Alaska has officially become the first U.S. state to allow on-site cannabis consumption at dispensaries. Originally provided for in the draft Legalization of cannabis in Alaska, the provision had never been implemented until now. Consumption areas already exist in Colorado and California, but only at the municipal level. «This is something that hasn’t happened anywhere else in the United States yet,» explains Cary Carrigan, executive director of the’Alaska Marijuana Industry Association.

Where can you use cannabis after buying it?

In California, municipalities are free to allow dispensaries to set up on-site consumption areas. Currently, San Francisco is one of the only municipalities to allow these « cannabis lounges«. However, other cities are considering it, including Los Angeles and Sacramento. In Denver, Colorado, a local legislative initiative from 2016 authorized the cannabis lounges But cannabis can only be consumed there in vaporized or edible form. Outside of Denver, Colorado residents can only smoke in private.

In fact, despite the legalization of recreational cannabis in 11 states, consumers have no alternative but to use cannabis at home. However, for some renters, this can lead to problems with their landlords. They may face fines or even eviction. This is particularly true for tenants whose apartments are subsidized by the federal government. The problem also arises for tourists. Public consumption of cannabis is prohibited in all states, yet no designated areas for such consumption have been established.

«Legalizing recreational use makes sense from a business perspective, especially for states that attract large numbers of tourists who, otherwise, would have nowhere to legally consume cannabis—but it’s also an important component of social justice,» explains NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri. Indeed, people who do not have the luxury of home ownership remain illegal users. «The status quo is a form of privileged legalization that benefits only those who can afford a home,» laments Sam Chapman of New Revenue Coalition (NRC), an organization that advocates for changes to Oregon's laws.

An Additional License for Alaska Clinics

After years of hesitation on the part of regulators—since 2015, according to Anchorage Daily News – the Alaska Marijuana Control Board (AMCB) finally given his approval for the project last December. Governor Kevin Meyer signed the bill last week, making on-site consumption at dispensaries official, although the law will not take effect until April 11.

Dispensaries will have to apply for an additional license issued by the AMCB. To obtain the right to establish a consumption area on their premises, dispensaries must comply with certain strict standards. They will need to submit a safety plan, meet ventilation standards, and have a wall, a door, or a secure outdoor area to separate the distribution area from the consumption area.

Thanks to this policy, consumers—whether residents or tourists—will be able to use their cannabis immediately after purchase. Municipal governments may, however, deny these licenses to dispensaries in their municipalities or impose additional restrictions, such as allowing only the vaporization of cannabis. Industry experts predict a significant delay between the law taking effect and the opening of the first lounges. The first of their kind are expected to open their doors sometime this summer.

“When this law takes effect, Alaska will be the first state to finalize and approve state regulations for on-site consumption. We expect to see other states follow suit in the near future,» adds Erik Altieri. In Oregon, lawmakers are already consider similar legislation. In Massachusetts, the discussion on «cannabis cafes» has been postponed, legal sales began recently. Nevada also postponed a vote on the issue.