Cannabis legalization in Alberta
Cannabis will be legal across Canada on October 17, 2018. Find out what it means for Albertans.
Know the rules
Yes, cannabis will be legal in Alberta on October 17, 2018, 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 smoke in some public places - know your local laws
- driving high is illegal
- it can't be within reach of anyone in a vehicle
- only 4 plants can be grown per household
- edibles are not yet legal to sell
- kids can't enter cannabis stores, even with an adult
Read the Alberta Cannabis Framework to learn more.
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.
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Alberta Cannabis Framework and legislationOur framework and legislation set the stage for the legal and responsible use of cannabis by Albertans.
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Impaired driving law changesChanges to Alberta’s alcohol- and drug-impaired driving offences and sanctions to align with new federal drug laws are now in effect.
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What we heardAlbertans shared their feedback on cannabis legalization in Alberta through extensive public engagement in summer and fall of 2017.
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Cannabis legalization in CanadaWhile legalization is a federal decision, the provinces and municipalities have areas of responsibility. See Alberta's plan for action.
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About cannabisBasic information about cannabis (marijuana), its potential health effects, and statistics on how it’s used in Alberta.
Timeline
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October 17, 2018
Cannabis will be legal in Canada.
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Summer 2018
Retail licensing and preparation
Municipal bylaw development
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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.
Resources
For everyone:
- 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 Addition and Mental Health)
For parents:
- Talking with teenagers about drugs (Government of Canada)
- How to talk to your kids about cannabis (drugfreekidscanada.org)
For drivers:
- Alberta's new impaired driving laws
- Don't drive high (Government of Canada)
For employers and employees:
- Alcohol and drug testing (Alberta Health Services)
For healthcare professionals:
- Medical use of cannabis (Government of Canada)
For renters, landlords and condo owners:
- Information for tenants (PDF, 388 KB)
- Information for landlords (PDF, 489 KB)
- Information for condo owners (PDF, 579 KB)
- Information for mobile home site renters (PDF, 396 KB)
Contact us
Alberta Cannabis Secretariat
acs@gov.ab.ca
News
- 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)