Full-Service Cannabis Consulting Tailored to Alaska's Unique Market Needs

Unlock success in Alaska’s cannabis industry with Catalyst BC—your trusted partner for expert cannabis consulting, seamless cannabis licensing and applications, compliance with Alaska cannabis law, cutting-edge facility design, and maximizing yield & profit optimization.

Learn about Alaska Cannabis Laws

Alaska, located in the far northwestern corner of the United States, is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, rugged terrain, and pioneering spirit. As the largest state by land area, Alaska offers vast, untamed wilderness—from majestic mountains and expansive glaciers to pristine coastal regions—creating a unique backdrop where tradition meets innovation. Anchorage, the state’s economic and cultural hub, along with vibrant communities like Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan, drive a dynamic blend of established industries and emerging ventures.

Alaska’s distinctive environment and resource-rich economy—rooted in sectors like oil, gas, fisheries, renewable energy, and technology—present exceptional opportunities for forward-thinking businesses. Our expert guidance helps you navigate Alaska’s challenging yet promising market, ensuring your venture is well-positioned for sustainable growth. Explore the untapped potential of this remarkable state with Catalyst BC as your trusted partner in unlocking success.

Legal Status of Cannabis in Alaska

Cannabis is legal in Alaska for both medical and recreational use. Under the Alaska Medical Marijuana Program, patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Cardholders may purchase cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries and must adhere to possession limits as defined by state guidelines.

Recreational cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and older in Alaska. Current regulations allow adults to possess up to one ounce of cannabis in public, with additional allowances for home storage. Additionally, Alaska permits personal cultivation of cannabis, allowing up to six plants per person (with a maximum of 12 plants per household). The state enforces rigorous quality and safety standards at licensed dispensaries, and penalties remain in place for unauthorized possession or distribution.

Catalyst BC, in alignment with Alaska’s legal framework, provides hemp and cannabis cultivators, farmers, businesses, and suppliers with comprehensive seed-to-sale support. Our services include Alaska cannabis licensing and application assistance, business strategy development, financial planning, start-up support, and expert guidance on Alaska state cannabis laws.

Book your complimentary Alaska cannabis consultation now.

Legal Status of Hemp Farming in Alaska

Hemp farming in Alaska is legal under the state’s Industrial Hemp Program, established in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill. The Alaska Department of Agriculture oversees the program, issuing licenses to grow, process, and handle industrial hemp. Farmers must adhere to rigorous THC testing requirements to ensure that hemp crops remain below the federal threshold of 0.3% THC, with any non-compliant crops subject to regulatory action.

Alaska’s hemp industry focuses on the production of fiber, grain, and CBD products, while also encouraging research and innovation to drive sustainable industry growth. To help you succeed in this evolving market, our Alaska cannabis and hemp consulting team offers comprehensive resources and expert guidance for local hemp growers navigating licensing and operational requirements, contributing to the development of a regulated and profitable hemp market.

Ready to start your journey in hemp farming in Alaska? Contact our Alaska cannabis and hemp consulting team today to get started.

Navigating the Complexities of Operating a Cannabis or Hemp Business in Alaska

Alaska’s regulated cannabis and hemp markets require a careful strategy to remain compliant with the state’s evolving cannabis laws.

Catalyst BC is the industry leader in Business Strategy, Financial Planning, Alaska Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Facility Design, Startup Support, Operational Optimization, Genetic Development, and Cannabis Business Turnaround.

Schedule your complimentary Alaska cannabis consultation to learn more.

Alaska Cannabis Application Guide

AMCO (Alaska Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office) Disclaimer

It is very important to read and understand the regulations. For those who have questions after reading the regulations, the Frequently Asked Questions, reviewing the instructions and watching the training video, the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office will be setting hours for appointments and walk-ins with questions; the hours will be published on the AMCO website as they are scheduled.

AMCO has a small staff serving a large number of people involved in both the alcoholic beverage and marijuana industries. If it is apparent that you have not read the regulations when you meet with staff, you will lose your appointment until you have read the regulations.

Alaska Cannabis Pre-License Business Property Requirements

Secure a location. All licenses are premises based, meaning that the first question to answer is where the licensed premises will be located. Applicants must demonstrate a right of possession to the property. You must submit a lease or rental agreement if you do not own the property.

Cannabis License Types in Alaska

The regulations in 3 AAC 306 provide for six types of marijuana establishment licenses:

Retail Marijuana Store
Standard Cultivation Facility
Limited Cultivation Facility
Marijuana Product Manufacturing Facility
Marijuana Concentrate Manufacturing Facility
Testing Facility

Alaska Cannabis License Fees and Costs (Updated 2025)

Application and Admin Fees	Fee Amount
New Application Fee	$1,000
Transfer Application Fee	$1,000
Renewal Application Fee	$600
Fingerprint Fee	$48.25 (per person) **Effective 1/1/25, Fingerprint Fees per person will reduce to $47.00.
Business Name Change Fee (MJ-13)	$250
Licensed Premises Diagram Change Fee (MJ-14)	$250
Operating Plan Change Fee (MJ-15)	$250
Proposed New Marijuana Product Fee (MJ-16)	$250 (per product)
Ownership Change Fee (MJ-17)	$250
Conversion Application Fee	$1,000
Onsite Consumption Endorsement Application Fee	$1,000
Onsite Consumption Endorsement Fee	$2,000
License Type	Fee Amount
Standard Marijuana Cultivation Facilities	$5,000
Limited Marijuana Cultivation Facilities	$1,000
Marijuana Product Manufacturing Facilities	$5,000
Marijuana Concentrate Manufacturing Facilities	$1,000
Marijuana Testing Facilities	$1,000
Retail Marijuana Store	$5,000
Renewal Fees	Fee Amount
Limited Marijuana Cultivation Facilities	$1,400
Marijuana Concentrate Manufacturing Facilities	$2,000
Marijuana Testing Facilities	$5,000
Standard Marijuana Cultivation Facilities	$7,000
Marijuana Product Manufacturing Facilities	$7,000
Retail Marijuana Store	$7,000

Multiple Alaska Cannabis License Holder Exceptions

You may hold more than one Alaska cannabis license with one exception—testing facility licenses are independent of all other license types. According to 3 AAC 306.610, a licensed marijuana testing facility may not have any licensee, employee, or agent who holds any type of marijuana establishment license other than a testing facility license.

Deadlines for Alaska Cannabis License Applications

There is no deadline to apply. The Marijuana Control Board will continue to accept applications year round and will address applications for licenses at its regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year.

Preparing to Apply for An Alaska Cannabis License

The first steps in applying for an Alaska Cannabis License are:

1) Read 3 AAC 306 articles 1, 7, 8, 9 and the specific article(s) that pertains to the type of license(s) you plan to apply for. When you apply for a license, you are stating that you have read and understand all of the marijuana regulations, and are prepared to follow them.

2) Work on your operating plan. All license types are required to submit an operating plan with their application. Requirements for the operating plan are set forth in 3 AAC 306.020(c). You can begin drafting your operating plan based on the information requirements outlined in the regulations.

Initiating an Alaska Cannabis License Application Online

You will initiate your application in AMCO’s Marijuana License Application portal.

You will need to have a valid myAlaska account and an Alaska business license number in order to apply.

Click the button titled “Initiate Marijuana Application” and follow the prompts. Make sure you’ve reviewed all of the resources available on the application page, as they will guide you and help you in initiating your application.

Completing this online process will initiate your application, but you will still need to complete your operating plan and supplemental forms. The forms are available on the marijuana application page, organized by license type.

Completed supplemental forms and pertinent documents may be emailed in PDF format to marijuana.licensing@alaska.gov.

By regulation 3 AAC 306.020, applications must be initiated electronically in order for applicants to demonstrate their capability to enter and submit data/documents electronically. All marijuana licensees are required to use the statewide marijuana inventory tracking system, which is electronic and requires a stable internet connection and basic computer literacy. The application is initiated electronically so applicants can demonstrate to the board that they have the technological resources to enter the industry at this time.

Dispensary Licenses vs. Licensed Retail in Alaska

The term “dispensary” is used in other legalized marijuana states but does not appear in AS 17.38 or 3 AAC 306. Alaska will license retail marijuana stores.

Zoning Verification and Municipal Requirements for Cannabis Licenses in Alaska

Zoning is a local matter, other than the buffer zones set out in 3 AAC 306.010. The Marijuana Control Board will only issue licenses connected to a physical place where the license type is allowed by the local government. The Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office cannot advise any potential applicant if the address chosen is locally zoned in such a way that a commercial marijuana establishment would be permitted in that location; contact your local government.

All licenses are premises based, meaning that the first question to answer is where the licensed premises will be located. Applicants must demonstrate a right of possession to the property. You must submit a lease or rental agreement if you do not own the property.

Delivery Cannabis Licenses in Alaska

Delivering marijuana to consumers is not permitted under AS 17.38 or 3 AAC 306.

Residency Requirements for a Alaska Cannabis License Applicant

All persons with a direct or indirect financial interest must be Alaska residents.

Important Post-Application Requirements To Initiate Application Recognition and Processing

The following requirements must be met to get your application to the Marijuana Control Board:

Notify the public of your intent to open a marijuana establishment at your proposed location by following the stipulations laid out in 3 AAC 306.025.
- Post a copy of your Public Notice (created for you based on the information you provide by the online licensing database) for 10 days at your proposed premises and at a conspicuous nearby location such as a post office or grocery store bulletin board.
- Send a copy of your Public Notice to your local government(s), and to your community council if the establishment will be in the Municipality of Anchorage or Mat-Su Borough..
- Place an advertisement (created for you by the online licensing database) notifying the public of your intent to open a marijuana establishment in a newspaper of general circulation in the area you intend to operate once per week for three consecutive weeks.
Complete all of the supplemental forms specific to your license type, including your Operating plan and various affidavits.
Submit fingerprint cards for each person listed on your application.
Submit payment, in person or by mail.
Complete any requirements or stipulations laid out by your local government(s).
After your application is deemed complete by the AMCO director per 3 AAC 306.025(d), it will be submitted to your local government(s) who will have up to 60 days to protest the application.
The complete application packet will then be posted on our website during the 30-day objection period described under 3 AAC 306.065.
Within 90 days after your application is deemed complete, it will be considered by the board at the next regularly scheduled MCB meeting.

Timelines on Approval or Denial of an Alaska Cannabis License

The application enters the queue when all supplemental forms, pertaining additional documents, and payment are received. When the examiner begins the review of the application, the examiner will check the documentation against the regulations, determine whether accurate and required public notices and advertisements were posted, check residency requirements, and determine if there are errors which need correction.

Check or money orders payable to the State of Alaska and/or AMCO are acceptable forms of payment. AMCO does not accept credit cards for marijuana related applications at this time.

Applying for a new or transfer license is a long process, involving approval from the Marijuana Control Board, Local Government and other state agencies. Applicants should plan for a 4 to 6 month application process. AMCO Examiners have no authority to approve or expedite an application.

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