The Kenai Peninsula has been a key player in Alaska’s budding cannabis industry since the state legalized recreational marijuana use six years ago.
There are now over 70 licenses in play for active and operating peninsula-based marijuana businesses, according to documents from the state’s Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office. That includes both cultivators and retailers.
One of those licenses belongs to East Rip, off the Kenai Spur Highway. Ryan Tunseth opened the shop in 2018 and is treasurer of the Alaska Marijuana Industry Association. The Kenai-native, who makes a point of buying from local cultivators, says a lot has changed since 2015.
Previous and pending legislation referenced in this story:
Banking
On-site consumption
