Court Opinion

ID: 9621632
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 06:02:11.566866+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:05:06.145356
License: Public Domain

COATS, Chief Judge,
concurring.
Walker contends that Ravin v. State1 prohibits the legislature from criminalizing the possession of any amount of marijuana in the home unless the government can prove an intent to sell. We do not read Ravin in this manner. Ravin recognizes the right of the government to regulate the possession and use of marijuana, concluding that “possession of marijuana by adults at home for personal use is constitutionally protected.”2 But, in context, it seems clear that Ravin does not permit possession of an unlimited amount of marijuana, but creates a limited exemption for possession of small quantities of marijuana in the home. In Cleland v. State3 we stated:
Although Alaska’s residents enjoy a right of privacy which extends to protect their right to possess small quantities of marijuana for personal use in their home, the constitutional right under the privacy laws does not protect the right to use or possess marijuana as such.
In 1982, the legislature passed legislation which criminalized the possession of four or more ounces of marijuana.4 In that legislation, the legislature recognized and deferred to the Ravin decision.5 I believe that this legislative action was not inconsistent with the Ravin decision and was within the “state’s police power for the public welfare.”6
A 1990 initiative enacted current AS 11.71.060, which criminalizes possession of less than one half pound of marijuana. The constitutionality of this statute is questionable because it appears to conflict with Ravin, a decision of the Alaska Supreme Court which we are bound to follow. The case before us, however, involves a conviction for possession of more than one half pound of marijuana under AS 11.71.050(a)(3)(E). We conclude that criminalizing the possession of more than one half pound of marijuana does not conflict with the Ravin decision.

. 537 P.2d 494 (Alaska 1975).

. Id. at 511.

. 759 P.2d 553, 557 (Alaska App.1988).

. Former AS 11.71.060(a)(4).

. See Commentary & Sectional Analysis for the 1982 Revision of Alaska’s Controlled Substances Laws, Conference Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 190. 1982 House Journal 1409.

. Ravin, 537 P.2d at 511.