Alaska has bounced in various directions concerning the state's marijuana laws, since 1975- when it became legal for adult Alaskan's to pocess small
amounts in theis homes for personal use.
In 1990, voters criminalized all amounts of marijuana by ballot initiative. At this time, proponents wanted the drug to be legal for those 18 years
and older. And, they also wanted the government to free some jailed inmates convicted of pocession and cultivation of the drug and to set up a
commission to consider reparations for them. Voters did not approve of this, however.
Then, last year, the Alaska Court of Appeals reversed that vote, stating that privacy rights, that are guaranteed in the Alaska Constitution, cannot
be removed by way of voters or legislators.
A few weeks ago the Alaska Supreme Court let that ruling stand, by way of refusing to review that case. The Court of Appeals then ruled that police
cannot execute a search warrant in a person's residence, to search for small amounts, and set a limit of 4 ounces. So, at this time, a quarter pound
is legal in your home.
And now, we have Ballot Measure 2, Initiative To Legalize Marijuana, on Nov. 2nd. This bill will remove civil and criminal penalties under state law
for persons 21 or older who grow, use, sell or give away marijuana. State or local government could not require a permit or license for personal
cultivation or distribution of marijuana, but could regulate same like alcohol or tobbaco.
This is significant, if the initiative passes, which many feel it will as it does away with all reparations (1990 ballot initiative) for convicted
persons. If it passes, Alaska will become the only state where it will be legal to smoke, buy and sell marijuana. Other states would surely follow.
How would you vote on this issue? Will Alaska lead the way for other states? I am curious as to the direction this will lead,for this, and other
states, if it passes. We shall see soon-
Links-
www.yeson2alaska.com
www.regulatemarijuanainalaska.org 
