Pubdate: Tue, 03 Feb 2015
Source: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (AK)
Copyright: 2015 Fairbanks Publishing Company, Inc.
Contact:  http://newsminer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/764
Author: Amanda Bohman

NORTH POLE MAYOR PROPOSES RESTRICTIONS ON MARIJUANA USE

FAIRBANKS - North Pole Mayor Bryce Ward introduced legislation on 
Monday effectively restricting marijuana use outside of the home.

The ordinance is part of a package of measures dealing with the 
regulation of marijuana in North Pole. The ordinances were advanced 
for a vote on Feb. 17.

The new voter-approved state law, which goes into effect on Feb. 24, 
decriminalizes cannabis but prohibits using it in public. What is a 
public place was left undefined.

Here is how Ward proposes to define a public place: streets, 
highways, sidewalks, alleys, transportation facilities, parking 
areas, convention centers, sports arenas, schools, places of business 
or amusement, shopping centers, malls, parks, playgrounds, prisons 
and other portions of apartment houses and hotels not constituting 
rooms or apartments designed for actual residence such as hallways, 
lobbies and doorways.

"We are saying that the only place it's allowed, if this ordinance 
passes, is in your home," Ward said.

City Councilman Thomas McGhee attempted to amend the ordinance by 
defining public places as those places funded with public money. His 
amendment failed.

If approved, the fine for using marijuana in public in North Pole 
would be $100.

The measure would leave the door open to the possibility of North 
Pole allowing establishments to apply for a permit to allow marijuana 
consumption.

Brandon Emmett, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible 
Cannabis Legislation, said he supports the ordinance because it 
allows for permitted establishments to authorize marijuana use.

"This could open the door to establishments, such as cannabis-themed 
coffee shops, being allowed to have marijuana consumed on premises," 
Emmett said in an email.

Another measure by Ward outlaws marijuana oil extraction using 
flammable substances. The punishment, if approved by the City 
Council, is a $1,500 fine.

Ward also sponsored a resolution asking the state to clarify a 
variety of issues surrounding the new cannabis laws, approved by 
voters statewide in the November election.

Among the issues are whether limits for personal use apply to each 
person or to each household.

Ward also wants to ask the state to clarify whether a passenger 
vehicle is considered a public or non-public place.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom