Longtime resident Carol Waldo has applied for Haines’ first marijuana establishment license.
Using the business name Glacier Bay Farms, Waldo applied for a standard marijuana cultivation facility license, meaning she would be able to grow marijuana and sell her product to retail stores.
Haines residents have 30 days from April 13 to comment on the license application before the Haines Borough Assembly considers the license for approval. The state marijuana control board must give final approval.
Interim borough manager Brad Ryan updated the assembly on the license during Tuesday’s meeting.
“We, as a borough, don’t have any extra zoning or regulation on marijuana growth or sales in Haines,” Ryan said. “At one point there was a discussion about it, and as far as I’m aware we decided to let the state mandate that.”
According to state regulation, local marijuana rules cannot be less restrictive than state law, but they can be more restrictive.
Current state law bans marijuana establishments within 500 feet of a school, youth or recreation center, correctional facility or building where religious services are held.
Municipalities also have the option to ban the sale, manufacture, cultivation and testing of marijuana.
Waldo declined to comment on her license application and business venture until it reaches final approval.