Fairbanks officials disagree on marijuana use at pot stores

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — The city’s mayor and a borough mayor in one Alaska city are advocating opposite positions on marijuana consumption at retail stores.

The officials are split on new state regulations issued by the Marijuana Control Board that will allow on-site marijuana use at cannabis retailers, the Daily News-Miner reported Thursday.

The regulations signed Tuesday by Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer are scheduled to take effect April 11. The new rules require on-site use areas to be separated from shops by walls and a secure door or remain outdoors.

Fairbanks Mayor Jim Matherly released a statement saying the city’s current prohibition of on-site use will remain in place.

Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Bryce Ward said he plans to allow the process to move forward without opposition.

“At this time we don’t have any plans to do anything outside of what we’ve already permitted,” Ward said. “Our plan is just letting it move forward.”

Local governments can prohibit on-site consumption through ordinances.

Ward said he prefers to let residents decide whether they want to try to block the regulation through a community vote.

Alaska legalized recreational marijuana in 2014. Fairbanks was the location for retail sales.

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Information from: Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, http://www.newsminer.com