Voices of the Peninsula: Keep commercial cannabis legal

  • By Mako Haggerty
  • Wednesday, September 6, 2017 9:31am
  • Opinion

In November of 2014, after years of serious study and contentious debate, the people of Alaska voted to legalize marijuana. Alaskans have always been true to their libertarian leanings and this was another example. Good people are now able to proceed with their productive lives without an anachronistic law hanging over their heads.

Now we are faced with another reflexive reaction to that vote: Proposition 1, which bans the cultivation and production of commercial cannabis products on the Kenai Peninsula. We are being asked to decide if cannabis should be allowed in our Borough, again. This is only delaying the inevitable; by the time the citizens accept what will eventually be the norm we may be too late to play a role in this robust industry.

During a meeting with members of the Assembly in 2015, the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District (KPEDD) boasted about their support and subsequent success of a local start-up brewery. KPEDD’s enthusiasm was soundly based in the very real strengthening of the economic environment on the Kenai Peninsula. Why aren’t we just as supportive of the cannabis industry? We all benefit from a strong economy regardless of how removed we may be individually.

Meanwhile other boroughs and communities across Alaska are reaping the benefits of this new economy. This is a fledgling industry, yet it has already contributed $1 million to the state coffers and over $100,000 to KPB’s sales tax. The cannabis industry has already created over 100 new jobs, a number that is sure to rise.

What we know about healthy economies is that they must be diversified. When one sector is down another is up; this helps stabilize our local economy. We should be proud that we can take care of ourselves and not depend on outside help to get us through the hard times.

The cannabis industry is just one of the sectors that contributes to the overall health of our local economy. We need to stand up and support our local friends and neighbors for investing their time and money in this new industry.

It is time to move forward and accept that the voters have spoken. The benefits will far outweigh any concerns. We cannot afford to let this opportunity pass us by. Vote NO on Proposition 1.

Mako Haggerty local business owner and former Assemblyman from Homer.

More in Opinion

This screenshot of an Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation map of PFAS sites in Alaska shows that contamination from so-called “forever chemicals” is observable throughout the state. (Screenshot | Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation)
Opinion: More action must be taken on PFAS

Toxic forever chemicals present in high concentrations in Nikishka Bay Utility Water Supply

Logo courtesy of League of Women Voters.
League of Women Voters of Alaska: Join us in calling for campaign finance limits

The involvement of money in our elections is a huge barrier for everyday Alaskans who run for public office

Promise garden flowers are assembled for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Let’s keep momentum in the fight against Alzheimer’s

It’s time to reauthorize these bills to keep up our momentum in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other types of Dementia.

Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., questions Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Sept. 14 on Capitol Hill.
Opinion: Music to the ears of America’s adversaries

Russia and China have interest in seeing America’s democracy and standing in the world weakened

Dr. Sarah Spencer. (Photo by Maureen Todd and courtesy of Dr. Sarah Spencer)
Opinion: Alaskans needs better access to addiction treatment. Telehealth can help.

I have witnessed firsthand the struggles patients face in accessing addiction care

Former Gov. Frank Murkowski speaks on a range of subjects during an interview with the Juneau Empire in May 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Need for accounting and legislative oversight of the permanent fund

There is a growing threat to the permanent fund, and it is coming from the trustees themselves

(Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Imagine the cost of health and happiness if set by prescription drug companies

If you didn’t have heartburn before seeing the price, you will soon — and that requires another prescription

Mike Arnold testifies in opposition to the use of calcium chloride by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities on Kenai Peninsula roads during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Peninsula Votes: Civic actions that carried weight

Watching an impressive display of testimony, going to an event, or one post, can help so many people learn about something they were not even aware of

The Kasilof River is seen from the Kasilof River Recreation Area, July 30, 2019, in Kasilof, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Helicopter fishing a detriment to fish and fishers

Proposal would prohibit helicopter transport for anglers on southern peninsula

The cover of the October 2023 edition of Alaska Economic Trends magazine, a product of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. (Image via department website)
Dunleavy administration’s muzzling of teacher pay report is troubling

Alaska Economic Trends is recognized both in Alaska and nationally as an essential tool for understanding Alaska’s unique economy

Image via weseeyou.community
5 tips for creating a culture of caring in our high schools

Our message: No matter what challenges you’re facing, we see you. We support you. And we’re here for you.

The Alaska State Capitol is photographed in Juneau, Alaska. (Clarise Larson/Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Vance’s bill misguided approach to Middle East crisis

In arguing for her legislation, Vance offers a simplistic, one-dimensional understanding of the conflict