Dunleavy not planning marijuana board repeal this session

JUNEAU, Alaska — Gov. Mike Dunleavy does not plan to introduce legislation this session that would propose eliminating the board that regulates Alaska’s legal marijuana industry.

Dunleavy spokesman Matt Shuckerow says the decision was based on the time left in session and Dunleavy’s focus on other legislative priorities.

Earlier this year, Commerce Commissioner Julie Anderson, in a message to department employees, outlined Dunleavy’s plans for the department. The section on legislation included a repeal of the Marijuana Control Board.

The idea garnered pushback from members of the marijuana industry who support how the board approaches issues it addresses.

Shuckerow says Dunleavy doesn’t plan to fill a now-vacant board seat until after session, citing the unlikelihood that the Legislature, which met to vote on confirmations last week, would do so again.