Alaska is one of 14 states that allow the possession of small amounts of marijuana. In the past, federal agents could bring those people to court because federal law supersedes state law. The other states that allow limited use of marijuana are California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
Prosecuting people who have state-approved marijuana apparently won’t go forward under the new administration. Justice Department officials say its not a top priority anymore. Those officials also say, however, they still plan to pursue and prosecute drug dealers and warlords who sell large amounts of dope to finance their criminal enterprises.
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Alaska’s no slouch when it comes to growing, using and selling dope, though. In fact, Matanuska Valley was part of a brand name back in the day.
Alaskans shouldn’t consider this a “smoke ‘em if you got ‘em” kind of law. To date, it’s legal to have 1 ounce or less in your home or residence. Having no more than 25 plants in your home is also legal here. After that, the fines and punishment start to add up. Between 1 and 4 ounces can mean 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. More than 4 ounces becomes a felony with up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
Selling any amount is illegal.
So people who like to smoke a joint after a long day at work can do so in the privacy of their home and not have to worry about Eliot Ness and his G-men breaking down the door.
Alaska’s somewhat liberal marijuana laws can be attributed in large part to a man named Irwin Ravin, who argued in 1972 that law enforcement officers violated his right to privacy when they arrested him for possession in his home. The state Supreme Court agreed with him.
People’s attitudes toward marijuana have changed since the Devil Weed days. One small town in Colorado is considering growing medical marijuana to keep its bills paid. Given the Obama Administration’s decision Monday, we could be seeing more of that line of thinking.
Comments
16 comment(s)Alaskaveritas wrote on Oct 24, 2009 11:02 AM:
Alaskaveritas wrote on Oct 24, 2009 11:00 AM:
is that true wrote on Oct 23, 2009 8:01 AM:
The question remains: WHERE IS THAT INFORMATION???? "
About right wrote on Oct 22, 2009 9:18 PM:
ILL ASK AGAIN wrote on Oct 22, 2009 6:26 PM:
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE THESE FATS ARE LISTED?
1. HOW MANY PLANTS IS "PERSONAL"??
2. HOW MUCHED CULTIVATED POT CAN BE POSSESSED IN THE HOME??
WE NEED REAL FACTS. "
witness wrote on Oct 22, 2009 3:20 PM:
Pro Legalaize wrote on Oct 22, 2009 12:36 PM:
CindyLou wrote on Oct 22, 2009 10:07 AM:
Lisnup wrote on Oct 22, 2009 8:25 AM:
uncle jed wrote on Oct 22, 2009 3:48 AM:
growing it wrote on Oct 21, 2009 5:28 PM:
At any rate pot should be legal and sold in state stores. I'd smoke it if it didn't kill my sinuses and make me binge eat. Those were the days.....then again pot smokers just annoy me now. Other than that Its harmless. "
really wrote on Oct 21, 2009 3:55 PM:
where do you find that information? "
Crazy wrote on Oct 21, 2009 12:21 PM:
Lawyer advocate wrote on Oct 21, 2009 10:28 AM:
1 oz or less in your residence or home no penalty
1 oz to 4 oz misdemeanor 90 days
$1,000
More than 4 oz, or 25 or more plants felony 5 years
$50,000
Any amount within 500 feet of school grounds or rec. center* felony 5 years
$50,000 "
Will wrote on Oct 21, 2009 2:23 AM:
On August 29, 2003, the Alaska Court of Appeals reaffirmed the 1975 court decision of Ravin v. State, upholding Alaskans' constitutional right to possess and use up to four ounces of marijuana at home. In 2004, The Alaska Supreme Court upheld the 2003 decision.
I think you have given very bad legal advice. Growing 25 pot plants can get you very arrested. The state guideline is 6 plants for personal use. The amount allowed is 4 ounces, not 1 ounce. "
Old McDonald wrote on Oct 20, 2009 3:03 PM: