CannTest, a marijuana testing facility based out of Anchorage, has become the first licensed marijuana facility in Alaska.
“I think it’s a really important job. Its up to us to make sure nothing is out there that is going to be harmful to any of the people of Alaska or anybody who visits Alaska,” CEO of CannTest Mark Malagodi told KTVA Alaska Thursday.
A testing facility like CannTest being the first one to receive a license makes sense, as the state wants to make sure the marijuana they are about to sell is not only of good quality, safe for use and free of toxins, but also to test potency. Since there will inevitably be some people trying marijuana for the first time after it’s ready to be sold, understanding the potency is of huge significance.
Testing facilities like CannTest can test for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content as well as Cannabidol (CBD), which is one of the elements that makes up marijuana, but does not have the psychoactive properties that THC does. The capability makes the store ideal for those who need marijuana for medical reasons, but don’t want to get as much of the associated high.
The news has many excited. One Facebook commenter from Anchorage exclaimed: “Finally some real progress!!” Another said: “Why didn’t this happen sooner? Congrats to those that have been approved, let’s hope everyone that applied does.”
There are still some requirements from the municipality and inspections from the state that CannTest needs to get before being given the complete go ahead, but the first step has been taken.
“That’s history right there, folks,” board member Brandon Emmett told an applauding audience.
The one issue remaining is the fact that while it is now legal in Alaska, marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Since Alaska has many remote places that don’t connect to the main roadways, figuring out how ship it is a concern, as is being able to fly in-state with the substance. Oregon, another state with legal marijuana, has allowed its residents to travel in-state with up to one ounce.
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