SB 128-MARIJUANA EDU/TREATMENT FUND/PROGRAM  1:31:17 PM CHAIR WILSON announced the consideration of SB 128 and opened public testimony. 1:32:04 PM CHAIR WILSON closed public testimony. SENATOR GIESSEL said some are asking why SB 128 only sets aside 25 percent of the marijuana tax revenue for the marijuana education fund, with another 25 percent going into the general fund. 1:32:48 PM JAY BUTLER, M.D., Chief Medical Officer/Director, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), answered questions on SB 128. He said additional allocations to the fund could be used for afterschool programs and other programs focused on preventing youth initiation of marijuana. SENATOR GIESSEL said, to restate, the legislature, as the appropriative authority, has the authority to exceed the 25 percent contribution to the marijuana education fund if it chooses. Dr. Butler said that was his understanding also. In the Tobacco Education Use and Cessation Fund, the tax revenue goes into the fund, but appropriations are done by the legislature through the usual budgetary process. SENATOR GIESSEL mentioned an article in the Anchorage Daily News about pregnant women using marijuana. The article noted the cognitive changes in infants' brains and THC detected in breast milk and the newborn. Education needs to begin even earlier. Dr. Butler said use during pregnancy is a concern. There is less outcome data, but some are concerning. Cannabinoid receptors are present very early in the developing brain. Much is unknown about exogenous cannabinoids, such as what would be taken into the bloodstream either through smoking or ingestion, that would affect brain development. Some animal data suggest that exposure to exogenous cannabinoids might increase the susceptibility to the effects of alcohol exposure during fetal development. 1:36:50 PM At ease. 1:38:01 PM CHAIR WILSON reconvened the meeting and entertained a motion to move SB 128 out of committee. 1:38:06 PM SENATOR VON IMHOF moved to report SB 128 from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes. 1:38:13 PM CHAIR WILSON announced that without objection, SB 128 is moved from the Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee, with the understanding that Legislative Legal is authorized to make any necessary technical and/or conforming adjustments.