Cannabis legalization in Alberta

Know the rules

Yes, cannabis is legal in Alberta, but:

only if you're 18+
only purchased from licensed cannabis retailers or legal websites – visit Cannabis licensee search for a complete listing of retailers
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
kids can't enter cannabis stores, even with an adult

Read the Alberta Cannabis Framework to learn more.

Resources

Impaired driving penalties

Driving under the influence (DUI) penalties aim to prevent impaired driving and improve 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:

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:

Cannabis in condos and rentals

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.

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.

Contact us

Send a comment or question

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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