Pubdate: Fri, 20 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: Bryce Ward
Note: Bryce Ward is the mayor of the City of North Pole. A lifelong 
Interior resident, he lives in North Pole.

MARIJUANA BOUNDARIES REQUIRE THOUGHT, PATIENCE

NORTH POLE - We sit at the face of a paradigm shift in the state of 
Alaska, one that for many Alaskans is seen as a triumph of personal 
freedom and sovereignty. There is much truth in the declaration that 
we are at the commencement of something new for Alaska. However, that 
newness is not with marijuana or cannabis, it is with the concept of 
commercializing a substance and plant that previously was only 
allowed for personal use.

The Alaska Supreme Court's Ravin decision in 1975 determined the 
Alaska Constitution allowed for a person to own and use small amounts 
of cannabis, but that marijuana sale, manufacturing and distribution 
were prohibited. Ballot Measure 2, passed in 2014, permits the 
commercialization of cannabis and codifies the 2006 legislative 
action that reduced the permissible amount of personal possession 
from four ounces to one ounce.

What this means for Alaskans is that we have not only the opportunity 
but also the responsibility to ensure we are building a structure for 
commercialization that is right for our state and local communities. 
What's needed is robust discussion and a clear methodology on the 
path that will lead us to the responsible commercialization and use 
of cannabis. Although the path to our future may be one of challenge, 
it is important that we work together to find commonalities and not 
sow seeds of discord.

This can only happen if the community is willing to engage with our 
local leaders, with each other and with our state legislators.

Although I did not support Ballot Measure 2, I respect the sanctity 
of the local vote and will continue to do what I can to ensure that 
the commercialization of the cannabis industry is done in a 
responsible and safe manner for our community members who are 
cannabis users as well as those who are not, for those who voted to 
approve it and for those who did not.

There are many concerns to address and they will take a considerable 
amount of time to work through.

I would ask for the community to respect process and have patience as 
our local leaders work on guiding the community forward through these 
thought-provoking times.

I look forward to discussing the issues with folks and encourage 
citizens who are interested to attend our council meetings or come 
speak with me during my monthly "Muffins with the Mayor" event held 
from 8-10 a.m. every third Friday of the month at North Pole City Hall.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom