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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A marijuana activist is planning to open a medical pot dispensary in Anchorage next month on the day recreational marijuana becomes legalized in Alaska under a ballot initiative approved by voters in November.
Alaska Cannabis Club owner Charlo Greene has scheduled the opening for Feb. 24, the Alaska Dispatch News (http://is.gd/1iFeUY) reported.
The sale of marijuana remains illegal, with the state not accepting business applications until February 2016.
Ballot Measure 2 decriminalizes the possession, use and nonsale transfer of up to an ounce of marijuana when the new law takes effect next month. The initiative also set in motion the legalization and permitting of marijuana sales.
Greene's reasoning for the dispensary is that the initiative requires licenses for recreational marijuana businesses. People coming in to her club will make nonmandatory donations in exchange for marijuana, she said. Greene also plans to begin a "co-op" for club members who are recreational marijuana users and can exchange pot products between themselves.
State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board director Cynthia Franklin said activity, including co-ops, not specifically covered under the initiative remains illegal.
Franklin said Greene is doing a disservice for people who are waiting to see what the rules are.
"The voters voted for rules," Franklin said. "The voters did not vote for chaos."
Greene, whose legal name is Charlene Egbe, made national headlines last year when she quit her job as a television reporter with a four-letter outburst, saying she'd advocate for legalized marijuana.
Greene said the club has secured two out-of-state attorneys. The club also is working with two paralegals in Alaska, according to Greene.
She said she doubts the government would spend the time shutting down a medical marijuana dispensary that helps people who are ill.
"We're going to do it anyway," she said. "And no, I'm not really worried. Not at all."
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Information from: Alaska Dispatch News, http://www.adn.com
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