JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – The state
is advising marijuana shops to be cautious in how they conduct business after issuing a warning to an Anchorage business that allegedly violated pot regulations.
The Alaska Marijuana Control
Board decided Thursday not to
prosecute Arctic Herbery for the first alleged violation of Alaska’s
commercial marijuana rules. The shop’s owner, Bryant Thorpe, said
he was “delighted with the board’s decision.’’ But he declined to discuss the matter further, citing ongoing discussions with the Municipality of Anchorage.
The decision comes after KTUU-TV reported in October that Arctic Herbery gave away free samples of its product before starting operations under an official license.
Thorpe had believed his actions
were protected under Alaska’s personal-use pot laws because the business
wasn’t yet active, The Juneau Empire reported.
“From our perspective, he
became a licensee when the
board authorized his license,’’
said board Director Cindy
Franklin. “I’m fairly confident Mr. Thorpe understands the rules
he broke and would not break them again.’’
Based on the confusion, the board declined to send the case through a formal violation process, which could have resulted in a harsher penalty for Arctic Herbery.
“The notice of violation here is a
cautionary tale for everybody,
so pay attention to what you’re
doing. Let’s not see many more of these,’’ said board member Mark Springer.
Board member Brandon Emmett also warned other pot businesses to follow the rules.
“Many people are still wary
of our industry,’’ Emmett said. “Our industry (members) are all going to have to do their best . to change public perception.’’
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