How To Work At A Dispensary In Alaska

Cannabis Job Market Overview:

On May 8, 2023, the House Bill 28 (HB28) was introduced to the House Judiciary Committee in Alaska. This bill reduces employment barriers for individuals who were previously convicted of low-level cannabis possession crimes, and ultimately would clear public records for these types of convictions to the largest extent possible

Both medical and adult-use cannabis are legal in Alaska. The state became the third in the US to legalize adult-use cannabis. Medical cannabis use was legalized in 1998 after voters approved Measure 8, the Alaska Medical Marijuana Initiative.

Cannabis Job Requirements & Application Process:

Who needs a Marijuana Handler Permit?:

"Each licensee, employee, or agent of a marijuana establishment who sells, cultivates, manufactures, tests, or transports marijuana or marijuana product, or who checks the identification of a consumer or visitor, must obtains a Marijuana Handler Permit card from AMCO (Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office) before being licensed or beginning employment at a marijuana establishment." Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office, Marijuana Handler Permit

Before Applying:

• Review video instructions.
• Initiate the Marijuana Handler Permit online application via myAlaska.
• Complete a Marijuana Control Board approved Marijuana Handler Permit Education Course.

Requirements:

1. Complete the Marijuana Handlers Permit online application via myAlaska.
2. Complete Marijuana Control Board approval Marijuana Handler Permit Education Course.
3. Obtain a Criminal History Background Check at any Alaska State Trooper Post.
4. Gather required documents: Standard Cover Page, Marijuana Handler Permit Education Course Completion Cerificate (copy), Permit Fee ($50), valid government-issued ID*, a Criminal History Background Check. *If mailing in paperwork, a clear photo copy of your government-issued ID is required as well as a 2" x 2" "passport style" photo in full color.

Cannabis Job Background Check Requirements:

Disqualifying Criminal History for Marijuana Handlers:

• Felony conviction in Alaska within the last five years;
• Currently on parole for a felony conviction in Alaska;
• Class A misdemeanor conviction involving a controlled substance other than a schedule VIA controlled substance, in Alaska within the last two years;
• Class A misdemeanor conviction relating to selling, furnishing, or distributing marijuana, in Alaska within the last two years;
• Currently under indictment for an offense listed above.

Additional Links:

• Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office
• Road to Legalization

Additional Job & Salary Information:

2022 Salary Guide

2023 Jobs Report

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