As of February 24th, 2015, it is legal for any adult, 21 and over, to buy cannabis in Alaska – no medical recommendation required.

Whether you know nothing about cannabis, are ready to try it for the first time, or just want to brush up, you may have some questions.

As the cannabis industry grows and matures, you may have already noticed more and more products that come in a variety of form factors: flowers, concentrates, edibles, vape pens, topicals and more. The list keeps growing and changing. Even a seasoned “Cannaseur” may have questions.

This guide is meant to be a top-level overview of the types of products that Alaska Weeds sells. If you have questions, or need more information, your friendly and knowledgeable Alaska Weeds Cannabis Specialist will be more than happy to help you find answers.

Product Types

Flower is the trimmed and cured bud of a female cannabis plant. As with wine grapes, there are different varietals of cannabis flowers, which we call strains. Each strain has a unique flavor and combination of active ingredients, and provides a subtly different effect. Exploring different strains is one of the real joys of cannabis consumption.

Most people look at the strain name, plant type (indica/sativa) and potency (THC/CBD content) when buying flower. Flower is sold by strain and weight. Under current Alaska State law, individuals can legally buy one ounce of flower per day. When you visit the dispensary and have decided what you’d like to buy, say something like, “I’ll take an eighth of Red Congolese.” That’s it! Easy, right?

Flower can be smoked through a pipe, bong, or joint. It can also be vaporized through a variety of accessories.

You can purchase flower by weight—gram, eighth, quarter or ounce—and strain. (An eighth = 3.5 grams; an ounce = 28.5 grams.)

Under current Alaska State law, adult-use customers can legally buy up to one ounce of flower per day.

Pre-rolls are joints filled with cannabis flower. They are also sometimes enhanced with cannabis concentrates. Pre-rolls provide the most traditional way to enjoy cannabis, without the messy rolling.

Pre-rolls typically come in one-gram or half-gram sizes, are sold individually and in multi-packs, and feature different strains and blends.

Price varies by the size and number of pre-rolls, and the quality of the cannabis inside them.

Check the package information for THC and CBD content, which varies among different brands and strains.

Vape pens are a convenient and discreet way to consume cannabis. They gently heat cannabis extracts to the point of vaporization, without combusting. The effect onset is immediate and gradually trails off over two to three hours—a shorter duration then pre-rolls and flower and without the smoke, ash or strong odor. Some vape pens are pre-charged and disposable; others offer rechargeable batteries and interchangeable cartridges.

Vape pens and cartridges are sold by strain, extract type, plant category and potency. Some brands claim specific effects but these claims are not evidence based.

THC and CBD levels are listed on the package, usually in percentages or ratios.

Vape pens are an easy way to control your cannabis intake, particularly if you’re interested in micro-dosing. In fact, some vape pens come with a built-in indicator to help ensure a reliable dose with each use.

Cannabis concentrates are several times stronger than cannabis flowers. They are made by separating the tiny crystals that sit on the surface of the plant—trichomes— from the underlying, inert vegetable material. Most concentrates are made with solvents like butane, but some are made simply with heat, pressure and water. Concentrates can be found in many different forms including shatter, wax, rosin and sauce. All concentrates at Alaska Weeds have been rigorously tested to ensure they are free of any residual solvents.

Cannabis concentrates are usually consumed through a portable device or stationary rig (or “dab rig”) that vaporizes the concentrate at very high temperatures. Concentrates can also be mixed with flower to supercharge a bowl or pre-roll.

Ask your Alaska Weeds Cannabis Consultant if a concentrate or extract is right for you.

Due to their high potency, concentrates are often reserved for a more experienced cannabis consumer.

By current Alaska State law, adult-use customers are allowed to buy up to 4 grams of concentrates per day.

Cannabis concentrates are usually consumed through a portable device or stationary “dab” rig that vaporizes the concentrate at very high temperatures. They can also be mixed with flower to supercharge a bowl or pre-roll.

Edibles are food and beverages infused with cannabis, and can also take the form of capsules. They provide a healthy and discreet way to consume cannabis, but have a longer and more intense effect than inhaled cannabis. Edibles should be used with caution: “start low and go slow,” and avoid over-consumption.

Each product is clearly labeled with its THC and CBD content in milligrams, both per package and per serving.

Read labels and dose carefully. New consumers should start with 2-5mg of THC. Wait two hours to assess the full effect before taking more.

Edibles can take from 30-120 minutes to take effect, and the effect can last 4-12 hours. An empty stomach decreases time to onset and increases intensity.

Tinctures are made by infusing cannabinoids into alcohol, coconut oil or vinegar. They are a low-cost, discreet and flexible way to ingest cannabis. Dropped under the tongue, their effect is similar to inhaled cannabis, with almost immediate onset. When swallowed with a beverage, the effect is similar to edibles: onset takes up to one hour, and effect can last six hours or longer.

Sublinguals are dissolved on, or under, the tongue. Many of these products have a high ratio of CBD and have been reported to assist with anxiety and help control seizures in children. Many tinctures do contain THC, so it is important to read the label for THC/CBD amount and recommended consumption instructions. Ask an Alaska Weeds Cannabis Consultant for more information.

Many tinctures are CBD-rich, but some contain THC. Read the label carefully and follow consumption instructions. Remember to go low and slow at first.

Taken sublingually, tinctures are a great alternative to inhaled cannabis. They have almost the same effect profile, without the wear and tear on your lungs.

Tinctures are discreet. Nobody needs to know what’s in the little bottle—unless you tell them.

Topicals are cannabis products that are applied directly to the skin, including balms, creams, salves, lubricants and transdermal patches. They soothe both the skin and muscles, and come in a variety of textures and aromas. They are usually rich in CBD, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. The only topical that provides psychoactive effect is the transdermal patch, and then only if it contains THC.

Topical products are not intended to produce the psychoactive effect usually associated with more typical ways of consuming cannabis.

THC and CBD amounts are usually indicated in a ratio on topical products.

The Language of Cannabis

The different varietals of cannabis flowers are called strains. Each strain has a unique flavor and combination of active ingredients, and provides a subtly different effect.  There are thousands of different cannabis strains out there and most of them have names that were coined by the growers who brought us the specific genetics from that plant. Some popular examples include Blue Dream, Sour Diesel and OG Kush.

Some products are always strain-based, such as flower and concentrates, while others are based on Indica/Sativa, and still others (mostly edibles) generally do not indicate a strain or plant type.

Cannabis has evolved differently around the planet, and different strains are classified according to their area of origin. Sativa strains come from closer to the equator, grow narrow leaves and are believed to have more energetic effects. Indica strains come from more northern latitudes, have wider leaves and are believed to have more relaxing effects. Hybrid strains are crosses of Indica and Sativa strains, and offer more balanced effects.

The cannabis plant can contain up to 150 active ingredients, known as cannabinoids. THC and CBD are the most commonly known, and all Alaska Weeds products are tested and labeled with their content. These test results indicate the strength and nature of the likely effect. THC-rich strains are the most euphoric. CBD-rich strains are more restorative, with less euphoria or none at all. Many consumers prefer the balanced effect of a 1:1 ratio—equal parts THC and CBD.

The human neurotransmitter system that manages plant-derived cannabinoids is known as the Endocannabinoid system. This system is present in almost every part of our brain and body, and maintains homeostasis—our state of natural balance. It internally produces Endocannabinoids which are similar to compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Each person’s Endocannabinoid system varies slightly, which is one reason the same cannabis product can produce different effects in different people. We recommend you start with small doses of lower potency products, and gradually increase dosage as you see how your mind and body react.

Terpenes are oils secreted by the cannabis plant, and give each cannabis strain a unique smell and taste.

Many of the names of different strains (like Lemon, Blueberry, Sour Diesel or Skunk) are reflective of that strain’s terpene content. Terpenes are not unique to cannabis and are present in many types of plants, especially herbs and fruits. Their importance goes beyond smell and taste; It is believed that the presence of terpenes also enhances the strain’s effects.

The science behind terpenes is still relatively new. Every day we are learning more about how THC, CBD and terpenes work together to create different experiences. This is known as the Entourage Effect or the Whole Plant Effect.

Every person and mammal has an Endocannabinoid system. The ECS, which was discovered in 1979, is a biological system that directly connects our body and mind and is key to understanding how a state of mind can directly promote health or illness.

Although cannabis is now legal in Alaska, it is not legal to consume in public places or to drive while under the influence. You should consume in a private location, such as your home, or a friend’s home.

A dose is equivalent to a serving size. Alaska defines a dose of cannabis edibles as a maximum of 10mg of THC. Micro-dosing is the practice of consuming very small doses that are barely perceptible by the user. Be sure to ask a Alaska Weeds Cannabis Consultant what dosage is right for you based on your tolerance and experience.

Safety, Storage & Getting Started

Any and all products for sale at Alaska Weeds have undergone rigorous lab testing to ensure that they are free of dangerous or undesirable materials, like pesticides, molds and fungus. In additional, products are also tested for potency and terpene content. Potency is reflected in percentage of THC and CBD.

It is very important that you store your cannabis product in a safe, secure location away from children and pets.

To maintain freshness, flower is best stored in glass containers placed in a cool, dry location (about 60% humidity). When you purchase cannabis products at Alaska Weeds, it will be given to you in a child-resistant container and exit bag.

This is a loaded question. And there isn’t one answer.

Where you begin your cannabis journey depends a lot on your past experience and what you are comfortable with. Flower, pre-rolls and vape pens are good starting points, although some people are not comfortable with the idea of smoking or vaping. Edibles are another great place for first-timers. We recommend starting with a small (micro-dose) amount, like 2-5mg and then moving up from there to achieve your desired effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to cannabis, we encourage you to follow these steps:

  1. Read our Cannabis Education page,
  2. View our product selection on the online menu that corresponds to the Alaska Weeds, and
  3. Visit us at Alaska Weeds in-person to speak to our team of helpful cannabis consultants. They’re eager to pair you with the products that will best fit your individual needs.

Everyone from around the globe who is 21 years old or older can buy cannabis products legally from  Alaska Weeds. Just be sure to bring a government-issued identification (e.g. drivers license, passport, etc).

Click here to see our location and directions to reach us

Open Daily: 12pm–9pm

Online Orders: 24×7

Call us at 907-349-3337, 7 days a week, 12pm–9pm.

While we cannot accept credit cards, you can use your debit card at our onsite ATM to withdraw funds for your purchase.

THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinoid and it is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that causes feelings of euphoria. People who seek to induce euphoric sensations seek the products with the most THC (THC+); people seeking to minimize the psychoactivity of the plant, seek lowest levels of THC (THC-)

THCA is a precursor to THC and it is listed as a reference. Many dispensaries list only one of these values (THCA) to inflate the perception that their product has more THC than accurate. We try to always list both values to avoid confusion.

CBD is a different Cannabinoid than THC and has no psychoactive properties. In fact, product containing high levels of CBD will prevent the euphoric sensations caused by THC and it is preferred by users who wish to avoid those sensations. Many states only allow the use of CBD cannabis.

How are Taxes calculated?

Taxes are applied by the state of Alaska and the local city government.  All legal Retail Stores pay taxes and pass the charge to the consumer, although many of them “include” the taxes in the price displayed to the consumer.  Alaska Weeds believes in transparency and we want our customers to know what portion of the cost is going to taxes. Please read How do Taxes work for more information.

There is one tax applied to purchases of cannabis in the Municipality of Anchorage:

  1. Municipality of Anchorage Sales Tax 5%

The city of Anchorage imposes a 5% excise tax on all cannabis products. There is no exceptions to this tax.

Ordering for Pick Up

Your pick up order will be ready 15 minutes after placing the order.

Once you’re inside Alaska Weeds retail location, just come up to the to the counter.

Yes! For adult-use orders, you can ask someone else to pick up your purchase, but they must show government-issued identification that verifies that they are 21 years or older, not exceed daily purchase limit, and pay for the order.

Unfortunately we cannot process exchanges or returns of any product once it leaves the store. To make an exchange for a defective item, you must speak with a manager.

If you need to cancel your order, please call us at 907-349-3337, respond to the text notification you received, or email us at info@akweeds.com with the word “cancel” in the subject line and we will cancel the order

We hold orders until the end of the day the order was placed. Please let us know if you will be unable to pick up your order.

If you need to make a change to your order when you get to the counter, we will accommodate as possible.

Hi! We’re ready when you are.

Our highly trained consultants are ready to pair the best possible cannabis products to your needs. If you have questions, we have answers. Come on in, give us a call, or start a chat.