Chambers of commerce across the state are awaiting for the implementation of regulation and taxation of marijuana with many questions.
President and CEO of the State of Alaska Chamber of Commerce Rachel Petro said the main thing they are doing is keeping their members informed.
Petro: “There is activity already from some legislators starting to deal with the issue, we’ll be watching that carefully. But mostly just keeping our members informed, what’s important to remember is why we opposed Ballot Measure 2 really had nothing to do with the substance involved but with the issue that presents to employers and workers and keeping them safe and keeping the liability of businesses to a minimum so we can maximize business opportunities in the state. Really it all comes down to worker safety and do we have the right testing in place.”
She said that as municipalities work with or against the implementation of ballot measure two, individual chambers would have to deal with those changes.
Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Glaves said that until the City of Soldotna takes action, the chamber is in a holding pattern but detailed what they would be trying to address with their members.
Glaves: “How it’s going to play in the work place as far as if there’s smoking allowed will there be smoking of marijuana allowed and that sort of thing. So those will be the things, how it pertains to business will be the things that we will be interested in keeping an eye on.”
The three state ballot initiatives Alaskans approved in the general election were certified by the Lt. Gov on November 26 and will be implemented.