(Creative Commons photo by Brett Levin)
Ketchikan’s city and borough Joint Cooperative Relations Committee meets Friday, and will consider approving the formation of an ad hoc advisory committee to come up with policy recommendations related to marijuana legalization.
Pot became legal in Alaska on Tuesday, but only for personal use by those 21 and older. Commercial marijuana operations won’t be allowed until the state’s new Marijuana Control Board comes up with regulations for that industry.
Communities in Alaska can enact their own marijuana policies, including banning retail businesses from selling marijuana products. Some communities have already approved policies, such as specifically defining where marijuana can and can’t be consumed.
Ketchikan’s proposed Marijuana Advisory Committee would have eight members, two each from the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly, Ketchikan City Council, Ketchikan School Board and Saxman City Council, according to the proposal.
The committee would gather local public input, look into what other communities are doing, stay up-to-date on legislative action related to pot, and provide recommendations for the four local government entities regarding policies.
As an ad hoc committee, it would disband once it has completed its recommendations, unless the various government entities agree to extend its mission.
The joint committee also will talk about a proposal from City Council Member Judy Zenge about creating an excise tax on tobacco products. Another item for discussion is nonareawide funding for the Ketchikan Public Library.
The Cooperative Relations Committee meeting starts at noon Friday in Borough Assembly chambers at the White Cliff building. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.
