TV Reporter Quits Job On-Air to Lead Alaska's Marijuana Legalization Campaign: "F--k It, I Quit"

Charlo Greene profanely leaves job at KTVA Anchorage and reveals her work with Alaska Cannabis Club

By Rebecca Macatee Sep 22, 2014 5:03 PMTags

Charlo Greene made quite an exit.

On Sunday, the KTVA Anchorage reporter dropped a bombshell (and an F-bomb!) when she announced live on-air that she was quitting her job to focus on legalizing marijuana in Alaska.

Charlo's announcement came immediately after a story on the Alaska Cannabis Club, the "only medical marijuana resource" in the region, according to its website. According to the club's website, they do not distribute marijuana directly, but they do "connect medical marijuana cardholders in need to medical marijuana cardholders with green :)"

After the segment, Charlo told viewers, "Now everything you've heard is why I, the actual owner of the Alaska Cannabis Club, will be dedicating all of my energy toward fighting for freedom and fairness, which begins with legalizing marijuana here in Alaska."

But the kicker? "And as for this job," she said, "well, not that I have a choice but, f--k it, I quit."

Charlo shrugged and walked off camera before KTVA, a CBS affiliate, cut to its shocked anchor back at the desk, who apologized "for that" and threw to a commercial. News director Bert Rudman later issued a statement on behalf of the program, saying, "We sincerely apologize for the inappropriate language used by a KTVA reporter during her live presentation on the air tonight. The employee has been terminated."

Charlo later told Alaska Dispatch News her employer had no idea she was going to quit or that she was affiliated with the Alaska Cannabis Club. When asked why she made her exit in such a dramatic way, she said, "Because I wanted to draw attention to this issue. And the issue is medical marijuana. Ballot Measure 2 is a way to make medical marijuana real...most patients didn't know the state didn't set up the framework to get patients their medicine."

The bill, according to Alaska.gov, would regulate the production, sale and use of marijuana in the state, allowing adults 21 and older "to possess, use, show, buy, transport or grow set amounts of marijuana, with the growing subject to certain restrictions."

Charlo is encouraging voters across the state to vote yes to the statewide legalization of recreational marijuana. The Alaska Cannabis has started an IndieGogo fundraising page to help effort campaign costs.

In a YouTube video titled "Why I Quit," Charlo further explained her decision to refocus her efforts. She also urged others to share "your own 'my marijuana' story," showing, "that we smokers are responsible, contributing members to society."

Alaskans can cast their votes on Ballot Measure 2 on Nov. 4, 2014.