Pubdate: Wed, 04 Feb 2015
Source: Alaska Dispatch News (AK)
Copyright: 2015 Alaska Dispatch Publishing
Contact:  http://www.adn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/18
Note: Anchorage Daily News until July '14
Author: Michelle Theriault Boots

ANCHORAGE ASSEMBLY CONSIDERS MEASURE RESTRICTING MARIJUANA CONCENTRATE METHODS

The administration of Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan on Tuesday 
introduced a measure to the Assembly that would make extracting 
marijuana concentrates with flammable solvents, such as butane, 
illegal in Anchorage without permission from authorities.

The proposed ordinance amends municipal code to prevent "the 
extraction of (THC) or any cannabinoid by use of materials or methods 
deemed dangerous to public health and safety, unless otherwise 
permitted by law."

The measure would make this type of extraction a class A misdemeanor 
punishable by up to a year in jail.

City officials who attended a Colorado conference, closed to media 
and the public, on legalized marijuana in January came back concerned 
about the dangers of people trying to "stove-top cook marijuana to 
distill it," said municipal attorney Dennis Wheeler.

Wheeler said the officials believe house fires or explosions could result.

"This is one of those issues we identified as an immediate public 
health and safety issue," he said.

Public comment on the proposal will be heard Feb. 17, Wheeler said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom