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Cannabis legalization in Alberta

Cannabis is legal across Canada. Find out what it means for Albertans.

Table of contents

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

Impaired driving laws
Alberta’s impaired driving laws are aimed at preventing impaired driving and improving safety on our roads.
Impairment in the workplace
Information for employers and workers on how to recognize and respond to impairment in the workplace.
Cannabis in condos and rentals
Information for condominium owners, landlords and tenants about cannabis restrictions in condos, apartments and rental homes.

Other resources

General:

For parents:

For healthcare professionals:

For property owners, landlords and tenants:

Alberta's framework

The Alberta Cannabis Framework outlines the 4 policy priorities for cannabis legalization in our province:

  1. keeping cannabis out of the hands of children and youth
  2. protecting safety on roads, in workplaces and in public spaces
  3. protecting public health
  4. limiting the illegal market for cannabis

The framework was developed following extensive engagement with Albertans and stakeholders.

Alberta Cannabis Framework and legislation
Our framework and legislation set the stage for the legal and responsible use of cannabis by Albertans.
Cannabis legalization in Canada
While legalization is a federal decision, the provinces and municipalities also have areas of responsibility.
About cannabis
Basic information about cannabis (marijuana), its potential health effects, and statistics on how it’s used in Alberta.
Cannabis legalization – What we heard
Albertans shared their feedback on cannabis legalization in Alberta through extensive public engagement in summer and fall of 2017.

Timeline

  • 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.

  • October 17, 2018

    Cannabis is legal in Canada.

  • Summer 2018

    Licensed and prepared for cannabis retail.

    Developed municipal bylaws.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • August - September 2017

    Reviewed engagement findings and developed the Alberta Cannabis Framework.

  • June 2 - July 31, 2017

    Completed public and stakeholder engagement on Alberta's approach to cannabis legalization.

  • April 13, 2017

    Introduced federal legislation to legalize cannabis across Canada.