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Know the rules
Yes, cannabis is legal in Alberta, but:
- only if you're 18+
- only from licensed stores or albertacannabis.org
- 30 grams is the most you can buy or carry at a time
- you can't consume in some public places – know your local laws
- only 4 plants can be grown per household
- driving high is illegal
- it can't be within reach of anyone in a vehicle
- edibles are legal, but it will take some time before they are available for sale
- kids can't enter cannabis stores, even with an adult
Read the Alberta Cannabis Framework to learn more.
Resources
Alberta’s impaired driving laws are aimed at preventing impaired driving and improving safety on our roads.
Information for employers and workers on how to recognize and respond to impairment in the workplace.
Information for condominium owners, landlords and tenants about cannabis restrictions in condos, apartments and rental homes.
Other resources
General:
- Cannabis in Canada (Government of Canada)
- Health effects of cannabis (Government of Canada)
- Let's talk cannabis (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction)
- Canada's lower-risk cannabis use guidelines (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
For parents:
- Talking with teenagers about drugs (Government of Canada)
- How to talk to your kids about cannabis (drugfreekidscanada.org)
For healthcare professionals:
- Medical use of cannabis (Government of Canada)
For property owners, landlords and tenants:
Alberta's framework
The Alberta Cannabis Framework outlines the 4 policy priorities for cannabis legalization in our province:
- keeping cannabis out of the hands of children and youth
- protecting safety on roads, in workplaces and in public spaces
- protecting public health
- limiting the illegal market for cannabis
The framework was developed following extensive engagement with Albertans and stakeholders.
Our framework and legislation set the stage for the legal and responsible use of cannabis by Albertans.
While legalization is a federal decision, the provinces and municipalities also have areas of responsibility.
Basic information about cannabis (marijuana), its potential health effects, and statistics on how it’s used in Alberta.
Albertans shared their feedback on cannabis legalization in Alberta through extensive public engagement in summer and fall of 2017.
Timeline
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October 17, 2019
Cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals are legal in Canada.
The new products could be on store shelves by late December 2019 or early January 2020.
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October 17, 2018
Cannabis is legal in Canada.
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Summer 2018
Licensed and prepared for cannabis retail.
Developed municipal bylaws.
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Winter and Spring 2018
Confirmed the approach outlined in the Alberta Cannabis Framework and introduced legislation to enable aspects of the framework.
Started accepting applications for cannabis retail licenses through AGLC on Mar. 6, 2018.
Passed the Gaming and Liquor Statutes Amendment Act on May 30, 2018 to clarify rules for enforcement.
Updated the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation on Feb. 16, 2018 to govern how private retail will operate.
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Fall 2017
Completed another round of public and stakeholder engagement to gather input on the draft Alberta Cannabis Framework and Alberta's retail options.
Passed An Act to Control and Regulate Cannabis on Nov. 30, 2017 to allow AGLC to manage the oversight and distribution of cannabis and establish provincial offences related to youth possession and the use of cannabis in public and cars.
Passed An Act to Reduce Cannabis and Alcohol Impaired Driving on Nov. 29, 2017 to set zero tolerance for new drivers and provincial administrative sanctions to align with federal legislation (Bill C-45).
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August - September 2017
Reviewed engagement findings and developed the Alberta Cannabis Framework.
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June 2 - July 31, 2017
Completed public and stakeholder engagement on Alberta's approach to cannabis legalization.
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April 13, 2017
Introduced federal legislation to legalize cannabis across Canada.
Contact us
News
- Alberta prepared for cannabis legalization (Oct. 15, 2018)
- Federal cannabis legislation: Minister Ganley statement (June 20, 2018)
- Updating legislation to prepare for legal cannabis (April 9, 2018)
- Public safety focus of legal cannabis regulations (Feb. 16, 2018)
- Proposed cannabis legislation focuses on safety (Nov. 16, 2017)
- Alberta to bolster drug-impaired driving laws (Nov. 14, 2017)
- Draft cannabis framework: last chance for input (Oct. 20, 2017)
- Proposed Alberta Cannabis Framework released (Oct. 4, 2017)
- Still time to have your say on cannabis legalization (July 20, 2017)
- Have your say on cannabis legalization (June 2, 2017)
- Minister Kathleen Ganley responds to federal legislation (April 13, 2017)
- Minister travels to Colorado to research cannabis policies (Oct. 18, 2016)
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