Marijuana businesses around the state have run into various obstacles on their way to being approved for cultivation, retail, or testing facilities.
Locally, Red Run Cannabis Company co-owner Marc Theiler says a neighbor of his proposed cultivation and retail facility site held up progress at the March 23 Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
Theiler: “Two days after we did a public notice for the state, she decided to go and get a business license for Grandma’s daycare and then proceeded to give the impression to the city council that she is a licensed daycare facility. In addition to that, her daughter who happens to be staying with her is homeschooling a kid and they made the assertion that it’s a school as well.”
That neighbor, Chris Cook, testified against Red Run’s proposed location on the Kenai Spur Highway, citing numerous problems with the gas station previously located there that sold alcohol…
Cook: “So we had many, many trespassers. Were they dangerous? Were they harmless? I don’t know, I didn’t care to find out. We didn’t have children living there at the time which we do now and has changed my perspective entirely.”
When pressed by commission members about the specifics of her daycare business, Cook was vague…
Commissioner Charlie Stephens: “It says currently our grandchildren, ages two and five, I’m quoting from your letter, live with us. You’re licensed to provide part-time childcare? Are you a childcare facility?”
Cook: “I have a business license, I discussed this with Matt, I don’t know what the jargon is, no I don’t have… I’m licensed to provide care from 0-5 children, unrelated.”
Theiler says he feels that Commission members and city administrators have treated the process fairly and is confident that their due diligence will result in the approval for Red Run Cannabis. Another public hearing for the facility is scheduled for April 13.
Looking at the state’s process of approval, four reviewers with the Marijuana Control Board are working on the applications submitted but a bill in the House has slowed that process.
House Bill 75 from Representative Cathy Tilton amends state statute to allow the marijuana authority to request federal background checks. Currently Alaska’s marijuana regulations do not specify Federal Bureau of Investigation background checks.
Marijuana Control Board director Cynthia Franklin has said that waiting for the bill’s approval should not delay the permitting process noticeably.
Marijuana cultivation facilities are also facing a hiccup in the legislature from the proposed HB 337, which if passed will halt cultivator facility licenses until proof of a $5,000 is provided.