Marijuana legalization will be the subject of two meetings next week in advance of an upcoming statewide vote on whether to legalize its recreational use and commercial sale.
Voters cast ballots on Proposition 2 on Nov. 4.
A meeting sponsored by the “Big Marijuana. Big Mistake. Vote No on 2” campaign is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Chilkat Center. Kristina Woolston will speak as a representative of the campaign.
According to the group’s website, “Vote No on 2” is “a grassroots coalition of concerned Alaskans who are striving to keep our state free from the negative effects of marijuana and an Outside industry poised to forever change the landscape of Alaska.”
The Haines Borough Assembly is holding a public hearing 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on a resolution opposing Proposition 2. Assembly member Dave Berry, who also sits on the statewide “Vote No on 2” committee, proposed the resolution.
Berry has cited the medical ramifications of marijuana legalization as one of his primary concerns, particularly the accidental consumption of marijuana brownies, cookies or candy by children.
Bill Kurz, a local representative of the “Vote No on 2” campaign, said the Monday presentation has nothing to do with the borough taking up the issue.
“The timing is coincidental, but fortunate as more people may have facts to work with,” Kurz said.