On October 4^th, 2017, the Government of Alberta released the proposed Cannabis Framework to the public outlining implementation details related to the legalization of cannabis by July 2018.

The Cannabis Framework supports the four policy priorities previously identified for legalization: keeping cannabis out of the hands of children, promoting public safety on roads, in workplaces and in public spaces, protecting public health and limiting the illicit market.

The high-level details of the Framework highlight the following:

• The minimum age to purchase and consume cannabis to be 18 years of age;


• Provincial oversight for wholesaling and distribution of cannabis products through the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC);


• A public possession limit of 30 grams;


• The ability to grow up to four (4) cannabis plants for personal use;


• Restrictions for retail locations; and


• Restrictions on where cannabis can be used in public;


• Strict rules for zoning retail locations and training employees at retail locations;


• An outline for the ability for municipalities to introduce additional restrictions on public consumption;


• Proposed new tools for police to address drug-impaired driving; and


• Development of an extensive public education program.

The Framework has not yet identified an approach for retail cannabis sales, as the Alberta Cannabis Secretariat is still considering both a government-run retail structure and private retail structure. Their final decision will likely be influenced by feedback received on the proposed Framework.

The full draft framework report is available here.

The AAMDC encourages members to provide feedback to the Province about the proposed framework through an online survey found here or through a written email submission to the Cannabis Secretariat at acs@gov.ab.ca. The survey and email submissions are open until midnight (MST) on October 27^th.

The AAMDC will share analysis and considerations with members at a later date when we have had time to review the proposed framework. The AAMDC’s previous submission to the Alberta Cannabis Secretariat, along with submissions from all other organizations, can be viewed here.

Enquiries may be directed to:

Wyatt Skovron
Policy Analyst
780.955.4096

Kim Heyman
Director, Advocacy & Communications
780.955.4079