What government agency oversees cannabis in Alaska?

The Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) has been tasked with the regulation and licensing of cannabis businesses in Alaska.

How many licenses can one individual hold?

With the exception of testing facility licenses, a licensee can hold multiple facility licenses at any given time. Those who hold interest in testing facility licenses cannot hold interest in other license types.

Do I need to be a resident of Alaska to obtain a cannabis license?

Yes, all individuals with a direct or indirect financial interest in the business must be Alaska residents.

Is delivery of cannabis allowed?

Currently, Alaska does not permit the delivery of cannabis or cannabis products directly to consumers.

Can local cities ban cannabis?

Local governments can opt-out of commercial cannabis establishments through an ordinance or petition election.

Alaska Cannabis License Solutions

The Alaska Cannabis License Experts experienced team will help you to get your Alaska cannabis business license faster and with an unmatched success rate. Having to repeat your Alaska cannabis growing license application process will set your business back by months and significantly impact your earnings potential. We’ll help you navigate the Alaska cannabis business license market and help you on your path to a Alaska cannabis business license and much more by booking your free consultation today.

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Cannabis Legalization Alaska - Market Overview

The isolated state of Alaska adopted cannabis legalization fairly early on, legalizing Alaska medical cannabis in 1998 and the third state to legalize adult use cannabis in 2014 with the passage of Measure 2. Due to the state's rugged terrain, transportation of product throughout the state has become costly with additional taxation and fees associated with transporting product. Despite its early adoption of cannabis legalization Alaska has some of the highest prices for cannabis. Over time this has partially begun to regulate itself as companies expand and have fully vertical operations creating cheaper outlets for dispensing and distribution. In 2018 the state authorized the licensing of adult use consumption lounges, which remained open until the Covid-19 pandemic. It is expected that the consumption lounges will begin reopening in 2022.

Book a free consultation today to learn more about how our Alaska Cannabis License Experts can assist you and your team on your path to entering and obtaining a Alaska cannabis business license.

Alaska Cannabis License Requirements, Timelines, and Selection

Alaska has not imposed any licensing limitations at this time and the Alaska cannabis business license application process remains open, accepting applications on a rolling basis. At the time of this report, over 450 Alaska cannabis facility licenses are active and finished with final inspections. The Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office regulates cannabis and oversees licensing in the state. Local municipalities can ban cannabis operators from locating in their jurisdiction through the creation of an ordinance or a voter initiative. A list of cities that have opted out is linked here.

In an effort to keep the cannabis industry local, all owners or financial interest holders of cannabis businesses in Alaska must be held by active residents.

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Matthew Caton Yield Cannab

Canna License Experts, and their team were retained by our company to help us along the way with a retail canna license. Brian Wolf along with Kalpna Mistry and their team of experts were there the entire way through the process. Thanks again to Brian and Kalpna for all you support from our family at YIELD Cannab Co.

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Alaska Cannabis License Types

Alaska cannabis Standard Marijuana Cultivation Facilities - 131
Alaska cannabis Limited Marijuana Cultivation Facilities - 114
Alaska cannabis Marijuana Product Manufacturing Facilities - 37
Alaska cannabis Marijuana Concentrate Manufacturing Facilities - 15
Alaska cannabis Marijuana Testing Facilities - 3
Alaska cannabis Retail Marijuana Store - 153

Basic Demographic Information
Resources include the US Census Bureau, City-Data.com, and any additional relevant resources.
Total # of Counties	19
Total # of Cities/Towns	249 cities, towns, and villages, and 15 special districts.
County population in 2019	288,000

Anchorage

Median Age

$83K

Medial Income

$315K

Median Home Price

$1230/Month

Fair Market Rent

Cannabis Legalization Alaska - Business Climate

Overall, the majority of the state has embraced the formal legalization of Alaska cannabis for both medical and recreational use. While most businesses thrived for the first few years of legalization, recent years have proven to be more competitive due to an oversaturation of businesses and the unique climate of the state. The biggest concern for Alaska cannabis licensed businesses is transportation of products throughout the state. Due to the state's rugged terrain cannabis is often transported by plane which has driven the price of products up with Alaska remaining as one of the most expensive states to purchase legal cannabis.

Alaska Cannabis License - Financial Requirements

Many States and local jurisdictions require a certain level of liquidity, cash on hand, and /or CPA and/or Bank letters to ensure that Alaska Cannabis License applicants have the financial wherewithal from the Alaska Cannabis licensing process through to the initial 2-5 years of operations. Commonly a 3-5 year Financial Pro Forma is also required.

Alaska doesn’t require Alaska Cannabis License applicants to have a specific amount of cash on hand, however during the Alaska Cannabis License application process applicants must disclose where the funding for the business is coming from. If the Alaska Cannabis License applicant wants to add additional investors to the business this needs to be submitted to the state for approval prior.

Real Estate & Zoning

Consideration for regional and local zoning with regard to allowed proximity to certain business types, schools, and other prohibited areas should be researched according to local and municipal rules. Possession of real estate is a requirement in Alaska during the Alaska Cannabis License application process.

The zoning for all Alaska Cannabis License types is dictated by municipal zoning ordinances. Additionally, Alaska has set minimum buffer zones of 500 ft from schools, youth or recreation centers, religious buildings, or correctional facilities.

For more information on how to open a dispensary in Alaska, cannabis legalization in Alaska, or the different license types (i.e. Alaska cultivation license or Alaska growing license) book your FREE consultation.

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/amco/MarijuanaLicenseApplication.aspx

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Applying for a Cannabis License in Alaska and unsure where to start?

Alaska Cannabis License applications are accepted on a rolling basis at the state level and the state has not indicated that it will halt issuing new Alaska cannabis licenses. Alaska Cannabis License Experts can help guide you through the Alaska Cannabis licensing process from start to finish. Not sure where to start? CLE can develop a preliminary business and feasibility plan to help give you an understanding of your businesses viability within the local climate.

In order to get started, reach out to one of our regulatory experts today to learn more about Cannabis Business Solutions.