Cannabis law in Alaska (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Adults aged 21 or over may possess one ounce or less of marijuana and grow up to six plants (three mature), with a limit of 12 plants per dwelling. Licensed retail stores operate and consuming marijuana in public is unlawful. A registry for medical patients exists.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | Adults aged 21 or over: one ounce or less of marijuana. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Licensed retail stores for adults [1] |
| Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [2] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | Not addressed in the source [1] |
| Minimum agePersonal use by an adult | 21 years [1] |
| Purchase limit in licensed shopsPersonal use by an adult | A retail marijuana store may not sell one person more than 1 ounce of usable marijuana, 7 g of concentrate for inhalation or 5,600 mg of THC in total per day. [3] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | Driving under the influence of any controlled substance is a crime (class A misdemeanour). There is no fixed THC limit; the 0.08 limit applies only to alcohol. [4] |
Notes
- Possessing more than one ounce is not covered by the lawful acts in AS 17.38.020. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, which applies on federal land.
- Plants must not be visible from public view without binoculars, aircraft or other optical aids, and must be secured against unauthorised access (AS 17.38.030). Harvested marijuana may be kept only on the premises where the plants were grown.
- Sale is allowed only through licensed marijuana establishments. Local governments may restrict or prohibit retail stores in their area.
- The statute bans consuming marijuana 'in public' and sets a violation with a fine of up to $100. What counts as public is defined in regulation and may differ by place.
- AS 17.37 provides for a confidential patient registry, a registry identification card and caregivers. Whether in-state retail stores are the supply route for patients was not checked.
- The chapter applies to persons aged 21 or over and states no residency condition. Neither the statute nor the pages read mention non-residents or out-of-state identification.
Sources
- Alaska State Legislature: Alaska Statutes Chapter 17.38, The Regulation of Marijuana (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alaska State Legislature: Alaska Statutes Chapter 17.37, Medical Uses of Marijuana (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alaska Legislature: 3 AAC 306.355 Limit on quantity sold (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Alaska Legislature: Alaska Statutes AS 28.35.030 Operating a vehicle while under the influence (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Possession for personal use | Criminal offence (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Growing at home | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
| Sale to consumers | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
More rules in Alaska
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph business, 25 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (sold by permit holders) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Excluded from concealed-weapon offences · Locking or one-handed knives: Under 16 needs consent; no sale under 18
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $14.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Texting only (voice calls allowed)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, age 16+ · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, age 16+
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.