Alaska's Regulatory Structure
Alaska's cannabis industry is regulated through a two-part system: the Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO), which handles day-to-day administration, and the Marijuana Control Board (MCB), which sets policy, approves licenses, and oversees enforcement. Together, they administer the commercial cannabis framework established by Ballot Measure 2 in 2014 and codified in Alaska Statute 17.38 and 3 AAC 306.
The Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO)
AMCO is a division within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED). It serves as the administrative arm of both the Marijuana Control Board and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, sharing a director and staff between both regulatory programs.
AMCO's Key Functions
- License processing: Receives and processes all cannabis license applications, renewals, and transfers
- Handler permits: Issues marijuana handler permits ($50 for 3 years) after applicants complete an approved education course
- Compliance inspections: Conducts routine and unannounced inspections of licensed cannabis establishments
- Enforcement: Investigates complaints and compliance violations, prepares enforcement actions for MCB review
- Public records: Maintains the public database of all licensed cannabis establishments
- Board support: Provides staff support for MCB meetings, prepares agenda materials, and implements Board decisions
AMCO Director
The current AMCO director is Kevin Richard. The director position is shared between the Marijuana Control Board and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. This shared leadership structure reflects Alaska's approach of consolidating regulatory oversight for controlled substances within a single administrative office, though the two boards operate independently in their policy decisions.
The Marijuana Control Board (MCB)
The MCB is a five-member board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature. The Board has broad authority over the commercial cannabis market, including the power to adopt regulations, approve and revoke licenses, and set enforcement policy.
Current Board Members
| Position | Member |
|---|---|
| Chair | Bailey Stuart |
| Vice Chair | Ely Cyrus |
| Member | Christopher Jaime |
| Member | Dr. Bruck Clift |
| Member | Lacy Wilcox |
Board Seat Composition
The five MCB seats are designed to represent a range of perspectives:
- Public safety representative
- Public health representative
- Rural Alaska representative
- Up to two industry representatives (cannabis business licensees or employees)
- General public representative
This composition ensures that the Board considers law enforcement, health, rural community, industry, and general public perspectives when making decisions about cannabis regulation.
MCB Authority and Responsibilities
- Regulation adoption: The MCB adopts and amends 3 AAC 306, the Alaska Administrative Code regulations governing all aspects of commercial cannabis
- License approval: The Board reviews and votes on all new license applications, transfers, and renewals at its regular meetings
- Enforcement oversight: The MCB reviews enforcement actions prepared by AMCO staff, including fines, suspensions, and revocations
- Policy direction: The Board sets broad policy direction for the cannabis program, including priorities for inspection, emerging issues, and regulatory reform
- Legislative engagement: The MCB may submit letters of support or opposition on cannabis-related legislation — for example, the Board sent a support letter for the HB 94/SB 73 tax reform bills in February 2025
MCB Meetings
The Marijuana Control Board holds regular meetings that are open to the public. Meetings typically occur quarterly, though special meetings may be called as needed. Meeting agendas, minutes, and supporting materials are posted on the AMCO website.
License applications are typically scheduled for Board meetings in the order they are received and processed by AMCO staff. Applicants or their representatives may appear before the Board when their application is on the agenda. Public comment periods are included in meeting agendas.
MCB Meeting Schedule & Materials
How AMCO and MCB Work Together
The relationship between AMCO and the MCB is similar to the relationship between a government agency and its governing board in other regulatory contexts. AMCO handles the operational work — processing applications, conducting inspections, issuing permits, and preparing enforcement recommendations — while the MCB makes policy decisions, approves licenses, and provides oversight.
This structure gives the MCB democratic accountability (members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature) while AMCO provides the professional staff and institutional continuity needed for day-to-day regulatory operations.
How to Engage with AMCO and the MCB
- Attend MCB meetings: Public meetings are open to all and include public comment periods
- Submit written comments: During regulation adoption or amendment processes, the public can submit written comments
- Contact AMCO: The office responds to inquiries about licensing, compliance, and cannabis regulations through the AMCO website
- Apply for a license: Applications are submitted through the AMCO online portal
AMCO operates within the DCCED, sharing a director with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The five-member MCB includes representatives for public safety, public health, rural Alaska, the general public, and up to two industry members. Current director: Kevin Richard.
AMCO — Marijuana Control Board
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