Ballot Measure 8

Approved Nov. 3, 1998 by 58% of voters Effective: Mar. 4, 1999 Removed state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician advising that they "might benefit from the medical use of marijuana." Approved Conditions: Cachexia, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy and other disorders characterized by seizures, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other disorders characterized by muscle spasticity, and nausea. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Possession/Cultivation: Patients (or their primary caregivers) may legally possess no more than one ounce of usable marijuana, and may cultivate no more than six marijuana plants, of which no more than three may be mature. The law establishes a confidential state-run patient registry that issues identification cards to qualifying patients.

Amended: Senate Bill 94

Effective: June 2, 1999 Mandates all patients seeking legal protection under this act to enroll in the state patient registry and possess a valid identification card. Patients not enrolled in the registry will no longer be able to argue the "affirmative defense of medical necessity" if they are arrested on marijuana charges. Update: Alaska Statute Title 17 Chapter 37 Creates a confidential statewide registry of medical marijuana patients and caregivers and establishes identification card.

Contact info:

Application information for the Alaska medical marijuana registry is available by mail, phone, email, and online: Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics Marijuana Registry P.O. Box 110699 Juneau, AK 99811-0699 Phone: 907-465-5423 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it AK Marijuana Registry Online Fee: $25 new application/$20 renewal