The rules and laws about cannabis use in Canada are largely determined at the Federal level.
However, individual provinces and territories have some say on the specifics of how the issue is handled.
What are the marijuana use laws in Alberta, Canada?
Is Marijuana legal in Alberta, Canada?
Yes, marijuana is legal in Alberta, Canada.
With the Cannabis Act, Marijuana has been legal in Alberta and everywhere in Canada, since October 17, 2018.
This includes both recreational and medicinal use.
The Canadian Cannabis Act legalized and created regulations for the possession, use and sale of cannabis products. This brought it from the illegal underground world to a legal, commercial, but regulated world.
Medicinal use of marijuana was already allowed in Canada under certain circumstances, but this opened the door to a wider recreational audience.
Marijuana Restrictions in Alberta
While the Cannabis Act is a Federal law that applies across Canada, there are certain nuances that are managed provincially.
One example of this is that you must be 18 years old to possess or use marijuana in Alberta. Other provinces and territories have set that limit to 19 years old.
Provincial and Territorial Jurisdiction
Provinces and territories have jurisdiction over:
- how cannabis is sold
- where stores may be located
- how stores must be operated
- who can legally sell cannabis
- possession limits
- minimum age
- where cannabis may be used in public
- setting added requirements on personal cultivation
Alberta Marijuana Regulations and Restrictions
In Alberta, cannabis is legal within the following parameters:
- Age restriction: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase, possess or consume cannabis. Children are not allowed to enter cannabis retailer shops, even if accompanied by an adult.
- Possession limit: Adults are allowed to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public.
- Purchase limit: You can purchase up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent from a licensed retailer.
- Cultivation limit: You are allowed to cultivate up to 4 plants per household for personal use.
- Use restrictions: Cannabis use is prohibited in public places, including parks, schools and other places where children gather.
- Driving restrictions: It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis.
- Advertising restrictions: Cannabis products cannot be advertised to minors or in a manner that promotes excessive use.
- Packaging and labeling requirements: All cannabis products must be properly packaged and labeled with health warnings and product information.
- Export/Import restrictions: It is illegal to export cannabis outside of Canada or to import it into the country without a government-issued permit.
- Workplace restrictions: Employers may have their own policies regarding cannabis use in the workplace and drug testing policies.
Where Can You Buy Marijuana in Alberta?
Cannabis products must be sold by authorized retailers. This is regulated through the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis). You can easily search for a licensed dealer near you here.
In Summary
- Marijuana use is legal across Canada as of the the Cannabis Act of 2018.
- Provinces and Territories have some say in how to manage certain aspects of the law.
- You must be 18 years of age to buy or possess cannabis in the province of Alberta, while other provinces and territories are 19.
- The Cannabis Act legalized cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes
