Alaska could be the next state to legalize marijuana

Supporters of marijuana legalization are hoping that Alaska will follow the example set by Colorado and Washington state.

Timothy Hinterberger told the Anchorage Daily News that his ballot initiative to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Alaska is about halfway there. Hinterberger, who sponsored the ballot initiative, and his supporters need to gather about 30,000 valid signatures by December 1 to qualify for next year’s primary ballot.

“In a free society, prohibition of popular substances is just bad public policy,” Hinterberger said. If approved by voters, the measure would allow those 21 and older to use and possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana for recreational use. Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 1998.

The ballot measure is similar to two successful initiatives in Colorado and Washington state. Residents of both states voted to legalize marijuana in 2012. Read more >>