Alaska Marijuana Surety Bond
Alaska marijuana licensees are required to furnish a $5,000 cash or cannabis surety bond as part of their licensure. The bond is filed with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, payable to the department and approved by the Department of Law. The licensing program is administered by the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) under the Marijuana Control Board. Beyond the state $5,000 bond, the Municipality of Anchorage imposes a separate retail marijuana tax bond, with the amount calculated based on the retailer’s sales tax collection volume.
We have been writing surety bonds since 1971. If you are facing this requirement, call us at 800-333-7800 or request a free quote online. Cannabis bond regulations are fairly new and constantly changing, so feel free to reach out to us regarding the latest underwriting and pricing policies that apply to your specific situation.
Alaska State Marijuana Bond
The state-level cash or surety bond requirement is $5,000. The requirement applies to retail marijuana stores, marijuana cultivation facilities, marijuana product manufacturing facilities, and marijuana testing facilities licensed by the Marijuana Control Board. The bond is approved by the Alaska Department of Law and runs to the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
Anchorage Retail Marijuana Tax Bond
Separately, the Municipality of Anchorage requires retail marijuana licensees operating within Anchorage to post a tax bond. The bond serves as a performance guarantee that if the retailer fails to file marijuana tax returns or remit tax payments on time, the surety is liable to the municipality up to the penal sum of the bond. The Anchorage bond amount is calculated based on whichever is greater between the average sales tax collected by the retailer or a benchmark figure set by the Municipality. Call us at 800-333-7800 to confirm the current amount applicable to your operation.
Statute and Regulator
Alaska’s marijuana program operates under Alaska Statute 17.38 (the Regulation of Marijuana ballot initiative), with implementing regulations in Title 3, Chapter 306 of the Alaska Administrative Code. The program is administered by the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office (AMCO), which staffs the Marijuana Control Board.
What Underwriting Looks Like
The $5,000 state bond is small enough that underwriting is generally straightforward for applicants with reasonable credit. The Anchorage tax bond, depending on the amount calculated for your operation, may require more substantial underwriting. As a general rule, bonds over $10,000 typically require a credit check on the company owners.
Cannabis bond underwriting standards are evolving, so call us at 800-333-7800 for guidance specific to your situation.
Alaska Cannabis Bond FAQs
How much is the Alaska state marijuana bond?
$5,000.
Is there a separate bond for Anchorage retailers?
Yes. The Municipality of Anchorage requires a separate retail marijuana tax bond. The amount is calculated based on your retail tax collection volume. Call us to confirm.
Who is the state obligee?
The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, with the bond approved by the Department of Law. Licensing is administered by the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office (AMCO).
What law requires the bond?
Alaska Statute 17.38 and implementing regulations in 3 AAC 306.
How long does it take to get bonded?
For the $5,000 state bond, we can typically issue same-day for applicants with reasonable credit. The Anchorage tax bond depends on the calculated amount. Call us at 800-333-7800.
Get Your Alaska Cannabis Bond Today
We have been writing surety bonds since 1971 and we work with the carriers that write Alaska marijuana bonds and the Anchorage retail tax bond. Call 800-333-7800 or request a free quote online. See our national cannabis surety bond page for broader context.