Cannabis North

As lawmakers take up marijuana legislation, federal issues loom

JUNEAU -- Some Alaska lawmakers are concerned about federal enforcement as the state works to legalize marijuana.

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to discuss federal issues related to state legalization Thursday morning as it discusses the decriminalization bill.

Although Alaska voters approved possession, personal use and transportation of limited quantities of marijuana for adults 21 and older, it remains illegal federally.

Sen. Pete Kelly said Tuesday that he was concerned that marijuana remained illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

Sen. Anna MacKinnon said the committee would receive an update Thursday on whether lawmakers can draft state laws that violate federal laws.

The bill up for discussion allows limited personal use of marijuana and details when marijuana use is still a crime, such as on ski lifts and in public.

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