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'Made in Alaska' program welcomes marijuana businesses
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) -- The state-sponsored "Made in Alaska" program that allows a business to use a featured logo if its products are made in the state is accepting applications from marijuana businesses.
Marijuana businesses are still barred from using the official "Alaska Grown" label put on state agricultural products because that program receives federal funding, The Juneau Empire reported Friday.
But the "Made in Alaska" program, whose label features a polar bear and a black bear, does not receive federal funding, which is why it can be opened to marijuana businesses.
Cary Carrigan, leader of the Alaska Marijuana Industry Association trade group, said the "Made in Alaska" decision matters because it's a sign the state is continuing to normalize its attitude toward marijuana and treat marijuana businesses the same as others.
In fiscal year 2017, 1,258 "Made in Alaska" certifications were issued, according to state figures.
Jennifer Canfield, one of the owners of Green Elephant Gardens in Juneau, agreed with Carrigan that the state's decision is good news, but said marijuana businesses still face obstacles that other businesses don't, particularly in the way that they're banned from the federally regulated banking system.
Oregon hazelnut company celebrates shift to solar power
HUBBARD, Ore. (AP) -- A hazelnut company in northwest Oregon has been pushing out nuts on nothing but the power of the hot, summer sun.
The Statesman Journal reported NW Hazelnut Company's plant is operating entirely on solar panels. The company on Friday held a ceremony to celebrate its sustainability shift, which was attended by Gov. Kate Brown.
The panels come from Earthlight Technologies, which produces solar panels from recycled material.
Company co-owner Larry George said the project, including the replacement of halogen lights in the facility with LEDs, ran up a bill of roughly $1 million. With the energy savings and government incentives, however, George plans to offset the costs within five years.