Last verified: March 2026 · AMCO License Search

Cannabis in Alaska's Capital

Juneau, Alaska's state capital and a major cruise ship destination, has a growing number of licensed cannabis retail stores. Located in Southeast Alaska and accessible only by air or water (there are no roads connecting Juneau to the rest of the state), the city has embraced legal cannabis and supports several dispensaries serving both residents and the hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers who visit each summer.

Juneau's dispensaries are locally owned — as with all Alaska cannabis businesses, licensees must be Alaska residents eligible for a Permanent Fund Dividend. The city's compact, walkable downtown and tourist-friendly atmosphere make it one of the more accessible places for visitors to find a dispensary.

Important Information for Cruise Ship Passengers

This is the single most important rule for cruise passengers visiting Juneau: cannabis stays on land. Purchasing cannabis during a port stop is legal, but you must consume it in a private, legal location during your time ashore and leave none for your return to the ship.

Local Regulations in Juneau

• Local sales tax: Juneau levies a general sales tax of approximately 5% that applies to cannabis purchases. There is no additional statewide sales tax at the register.
• 500-foot buffer zones: Dispensaries must be at least 500 feet from schools, recreation or youth centers, religious buildings, and correctional facilities.
• Compact city center: Juneau's downtown is relatively walkable, and some dispensaries are within reach of the cruise ship port area.

What to Know Before Your Visit

• ID required: Valid government-issued photo ID proving you are 21+. Passports and all U.S. state IDs accepted.
• Daily purchase limits: Up to 1 ounce of flower, 7 grams of concentrates, or 5,600 mg THC (combined).
• Cash recommended: Most dispensaries are cash-only or cash-preferred. ATMs available on-site.
• Public consumption is illegal: You cannot consume cannabis on streets, sidewalks, parks, the cruise ship dock area, or any public place.
• No statewide sales tax: Alaska has no state sales tax, but Juneau's ~5% local sales tax applies.

Where to Consume in Juneau

Legal consumption options in Juneau are limited for visitors, especially cruise passengers:

• Private property: If you are staying at a hotel, vacation rental, or B&B that allows cannabis use, you can consume there. Always confirm the property's policy first.
• Licensed consumption areas: Check whether any Juneau retailers currently hold an onsite consumption endorsement from AMCO.
• Not in public: Parks, trails, sidewalks, the cruise ship dock, and all public areas are off-limits for consumption.

Federal Land Near Juneau

Juneau is surrounded by federal land:

• Tongass National Forest: The largest national forest in the United States surrounds Juneau on all sides. Cannabis possession in the Tongass is a federal misdemeanor.
• Glacier Bay National Park: A popular cruise and excursion destination northwest of Juneau. Cannabis is completely illegal in the park.
• Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center: Located within the Tongass National Forest — federal land. Do not bring cannabis.

If you plan any excursions outside downtown Juneau, read our Federal Land Warning first.

Getting to Juneau Dispensaries

Juneau's downtown is compact and walkable from the cruise ship port. Some dispensaries are within walking distance of the port area. For stores farther out, taxis and rideshare services are available, though options are more limited than in Anchorage. If you are a cruise passenger, stay aware of your ship's departure time and plan accordingly.

State Ferry Passengers

If you are traveling to Juneau on the Alaska Marine Highway (state ferry system), be aware that ferries travel through federal waterways where the U.S. Coast Guard has jurisdiction. While state law technically permits intrastate cannabis transport, federal law applies on federal waterways. The safest approach is to purchase cannabis at your destination rather than transporting it on the ferry.

Official Sources

• AMCO License Search
• City and Borough of Juneau