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The Town of Sedgewick, Alberta > Government > Governance > Cannabis

Cannabis

Canada has legalized the use of cannabis. Sedgewick Town Council has decided to place no further restrictions on the use or sale of cannabis within the Town of Sedgewick other than Federal or Provincial legislation. Retail outlets are regulated under Land Use Bylaw 461 as other businesses are. There are limits to where cannabis can be consumed. See below for more information.

*The source used for the following information is http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cannabis/

Cannabis was legalized across the country as of October 17, 2018.

The Cannabis Act creates a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis across Canada. The Act aims to accomplish 3 goals:

  • keep cannabis out of the hands of youth
  • keep profits out of the hands of criminals
  • protect public health and safety by allowing adults access to safe, legal cannabis

Controlling access

At coming into force on October 17th, 2018, subject to provincial or territorial restrictions, adults who are 18 years of age or older would be able legally to:

  • possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or equivalent in non-dried form in public
  • share up to 30 grams of legal cannabis with other adults
  • buy dried or fresh cannabis and cannabis oil from a provincially-licensed retailer
    • in provinces and territories without a regulated retail framework, individuals would be able to purchase cannabis online from federally-licensed producers
  • grow, from licensed seed or seedlings, up to 4 cannabis plants per residence for personal use
  • make cannabis products, such as food and drinks, at home as long as organic solvents are not used to create concentrated products

Cannabis edible products and concentrates will be legal for sale approximately one year after the Cannabis Act has come into force on October 17th, 2018.

Possession limits for cannabis products

The possession limits in the Cannabis Act are based on dried cannabis. Equivalents were developed for other cannabis products to identify what their possession limit would be. One (1) gram of dried cannabis is equal to:

  • 5 grams of fresh cannabis
  • 15 grams of edible product
  • 70 grams of liquid product
  • 0.25 grams of concentrates (solid or liquid)
  • 1 cannabis plant seed

This would mean, for example, that an adult 18 years of age or older, can legally possess 150 grams of fresh cannabis.

Cannabis for medical purposes

The current regime for medical cannabis will continue to allow access to cannabis for people who have the authorization of their healthcare provider.

Cannabis will be legal for adults (18+), but like many controlled substances, there are negative health effects. Be informed on how to lower the risk of these negative effects, if you choose to use.

*The source used for the below information is https://www.alberta.ca/cannabis-framework.aspx

Safeguards for cannabis sales

Albertans of legal age will be able to purchase cannabis products from retailers that will receive their products from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC). The distribution system will be similar to the system Alberta currently has in place for alcohol.

Government-regulated distribution will ensure a level playing field for large and craft producers, and prevents small communities from being penalized for delivery costs by making sure product is shipped at the same price no matter where it’s going.

All physical retail locations will have strict government oversight through licensing by the AGLC. The AGLC will be able to set terms and conditions on licences, as well as inspect licensees and address any violations. This will help ensure private cannabis retailers operate responsibly and lawfully.

Licensed retail establishments will be the only stores that can sell cannabis, and will not be able to sell cannabis if they sell alcohol, tobacco or pharmaceuticals.

Legislation will help keep cannabis out of the hands of young people by requiring purchasers to show ID if they appear under to be 25, not allowing minors to purchase cannabis or be on licensed premises.

Provincial regulations establish who can own and operate a cannabis retailer. This includes:

  • mandatory background checks for potential retailers and workers
  • no licenses for applicants linked to organized crime, illegal drug trade or with convictions
  • related to offenses such as drug trafficking or violence
  • renewal of retail licenses required at least once every 2 years
  • limiting licenses for any single person, business or organization at 15%
  • the AGLC will limit licenses each year based on existing licenses issued the previous year
  • allows smaller retailers to enter the market
  • review of system in 5 years

Staff who work at cannabis retail outlets will have to be at least 18 years of age, undergo a background check and complete mandatory AGLC training through a program called Sell Safe. This 4-6 hour course is similar to what employees in the gaming and liquor sectors must complete.

Additionally, the regulations establish where private cannabis retail can be located. A 100 meter buffer between cannabis retailers and schools and provincial health care facilities will help keep cannabis out of the hands of children and protect public health. Municipalities will also have the ability to will have the ability to set buffers to suit their communities.

Cannabis retailers may be open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., the same as liquor stores. They will subject to extensive security requirements.

Consuming cannabis

Albertans will be allowed to consume cannabis in their homes and in some public spaces where smoking tobacco is allowed, but use will be banned in cars.

In an effort to protect children and limit second-hand exposure, public smoking or vaping of cannabis in Alberta will be prohibited from any place where tobacco is restricted, and in the following places:

  • on any hospital property, school property or child care facility property
  • in or within a prescribed distance from:
    • a playground
    • a sports or playing field
    • a skateboard or bicycle park
    • a zoo
    • an outdoor theatre
    • an outdoor pool or splash pad
  • from any motor vehicles, with the exception of those being used as a temporary residences, such as a parked RV

There will also be no consumption of cannabis at any cannabis retail outlets.

Legislation will establish provincial offenses for public consumption infractions and consumption of cannabis in vehicles.

Municipalities may create additional restrictions on public consumption using their existing authorities. Albertans are encouraged to know their local rules before consuming.

For more information go to https://aglc.ca/cannabis/using-cannabis-responsibly/cannabis-consumption