The regulations outline who can own cannabis stores, where they can be located, rules for staff, safety and security requirements, and other operational details for private retailers. While the regulations will be established provincewide, municipalities will have the ability to adjust certain aspects to best suit their communities.
“These regulations focus on keeping our communities safe, while protecting public health and promoting safety on roads, in workplaces and in public spaces. They’ll help keep cannabis out of the hands of youth, while ensuring consumers have access to safe products no matter where they live.”
Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General
The regulations include:
- Mandatory background checks for retail licence applicants.
- Mandatory training and background checks for all retail employees.
- One person, group or organization cannot hold more than 15 per cent of licences in Alberta.
- A 100-metre buffer for stores from schools and provincial health-care facilities. However, municipalities have the ability to adjust these buffer zones or add additional ones to best suit their communities’ needs
- Store hours set between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m., the same as liquor stores, with municipalities able to adjust these hours.
- Mandatory security measures in stores.
The Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission (AGLC) is providing details on the licensing process for potential cannabis retailers. Licence applications will be accepted starting March 6, with more information available at aglc.ca. AGLC will also be responsible for operating online cannabis sales for the province. Details of the online e-commerce site will be unveiled later this year.
“For more than 20 years, AGLC has been a regulatory leader in the management of Alberta’s gaming and liquor industries. We will continue to be a leader through age verification processes for online purchases and the promotion of responsible sale and consumption of legal cannabis.”
Alain Maisonneuve, president & CEO, AGLC
“The rapid growth in the cannabis sector is creating economic opportunities in commercial production as well as a variety of ancillary fields from technology to distribution. As a centre for agribusiness as well as a transportation hub and growing tech sector, we see the opportunity as an early mover to be an attractive location for investments in all aspects of the sector.”
Bruce Leslie, VP Trade & Investment Attraction, Calgary Economic Development
The province has set the legal age for consumption and purchase of cannabis at 18. That means no one under the age of 18 can enter a cannabis store, even if accompanied by an adult.
Details can be found on the Government of Alberta's website.
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