Alaska became the third state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2015, but it’s not exactly ahead of the curve on hemp, which comes from the same plant.

Alaska became the third state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2015, but it’s not exactly ahead of the curve on hemp, which comes from the same plant.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A store in Alaska is set to be the first in the state offering retail marijuana sales, with the grand opening scheduled for Saturday at what the operators are calling "high noon."

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A store in Alaska is set to be the first in the state offering retail marijuana sales, with the grand opening scheduled for Saturday at what the operators are calling "high noon."

Student activities in Sitka are getting a boost from the marijuana industry.

Student activities in Sitka are getting a boost from the marijuana industry.

ANCHORAGE (KTUU) - Tax dollars from Alaska’s new marijuana industry have finally begun flowing into state coffers, with the first cash payments from pot businesses being made in Anchorage this week.

ANCHORAGE (KTUU) - Tax dollars from Alaska’s new marijuana industry have finally begun flowing into state coffers, with the first cash payments from pot businesses being made in Anchorage this week.

Alaska is about to become the first state to have pot cafes where people can buy and consume marijuana, similar to Amsterdam. Right now, that's not legal in other states that have recreational marijuana.

The state approved its first licenses for commercial cannabis businesses Thursday, a major step for prospective retailers hoping to open shop before year’s end.

The state approved its first licenses for commercial cannabis businesses Thursday, a major step for prospective retailers hoping to open shop before year’s end.

Though commercial marijuana became legal in Alaska in February 2015, hemp is not yet legal.

Though commercial marijuana became legal in Alaska in February 2015, hemp is not yet legal.

FAIRBANKS — Alaska is on track to be the first state in the nation to allow for the consumption of marijuana in retail stores in which it is purchased.

FAIRBANKS — Alaska is on track to be the first state in the nation to allow for the consumption of marijuana in retail stores in which it is purchased.

Sarah Palin believes America has more important things to worry about than the marijuana legalization debate.

Army officials in Alaska remind troops to stay away from cannabis-themed festivities.