Marijuana Ads And Free Samples In Alaska As New Rules Take Effect

A measure that would offer legal marijuana businesses in Alaska an opportunity to widen their advertising reach and distribute complimentary marijuana samples in retail stores got the green light from Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom recently.

The regulations, which Gov. Dahlstrom signed on Sept. 8, are going into effect on Oct.8, reported Alaska Beacon.

Alaska legalized marijuana on Nov. 4, 2014, followed by implementing strict rules to regulate the industry.

Now, the updated regulations on advertising – a result of a task force's efforts, as stated by Joan Wilson, the director of the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office – are looking to change that.

Once new rules are enacted, marijuana retailers must adhere to local restrictions on signage and avoid using billboards for their advertisements, as dictated by the state.

Instead, cannabis advertisements will be legal aboard buses, bus stop shelters and on college campuses.

There is a possibility of an influx of advertising signs around marijuana businesses, Wilson pointed out, emphasizing that local governments will bear the responsibility of regulating them if warranted.

Moreover, under the old law, cannabis stores were prohibited from giving away samples or coupons.

Wilson said she had small samples in mind, not "bags of marijuana" going "out the door."

Meanwhile, Alaska's House Labor and Commerce Committee recently discussed a proposal, House Bill 119, that could change the state's marijuana tax system from an ounce-based tax to a sales tax.

The move is intended to help the state's marijuana businesses compete with the illicit market, which offers lower prices.

If you are interested in learning more about the latest regulatory changes in the cannabis space, join us at the upcoming Benzinga event in Chicago.

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Photo: Courtesy of Esteban López on Unsplash