Check with seller A Guide to Alberta & Canada Cannabis Laws Calgary

If you're interested in using cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes in Calgary, understanding the laws is essential. Whether you're a local or a visitor, knowing Alberta’s cannabis regulations can help ensure a smooth experience. Although cannabis is legal across Canada under the Cannabis Act, individual provinces have the authority to establish their own rules. This guide will cover Alberta's cannabis laws on possession, consumption, cultivation, and illegal activities, along with a brief overview of the laws in other provinces and territories.

Minimum Age for Cannabis Use

In Alberta, the minimum legal age to buy, possess, or consume cannabis is 18 years old, the same age requirement for purchasing alcohol and tobacco. This makes Alberta one of the provinces with the lowest legal age for cannabis use in Canada. Whether you're using Calgary weed delivery services or visiting a Calgary dispensary, you must present valid identification to verify your age.

Cannabis Consumption

In Alberta, adults can consume cannabis in the privacy of their own homes and some public places. However, consumption is not allowed in vehicles, whether you're driving or not. Municipalities may impose additional restrictions on public use, so it's essential to check local laws before consuming cannabis in public areas.

Cannabis smoking or vaping is prohibited in the following locations:

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  Hospital property

  
  


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  School property

  
  


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  Childcare facility property

  
  


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  Inside any motor vehicle, except those being used as temporary homes (e.g., parked RVs)

  
  


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  Inside a cannabis dispensary

  
  

Additionally, cannabis consumption is prohibited within a certain distance of the following:

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  Playgrounds

  
  


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  Sports or playing fields

  
  


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  Skateboard or bicycle parks

  
  


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  Zoos

  
  


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  Outdoor theatres

  
  


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  Outdoor pools or splash pads

  
  

For those using Calgary weed delivery services, it's important to remember that while cannabis consumption is allowed in your home, you should still be mindful of your neighbors, particularly in multi-unit residences.

Possession and Purchasing Limits

In Alberta, adults of legal age can possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or the equivalent in other cannabis products) in public. When purchasing cannabis, you can do so from a privately-run retail store or an online store operated by Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) at albertacannabis.org. If you're driving with cannabis, it must be securely stored in closed packaging and out of reach of all occupants.

Minors found in possession of 5 grams or less of cannabis will not face criminal charges, but the cannabis may be confiscated, and parents or guardians may be notified.

Home Cultivation

Alberta allows adults to grow up to 4 cannabis plants per household, provided the seeds are purchased from a licensed cannabis retailer. However, landlords, renters, and condo boards may prohibit cannabis cultivation on their properties. It's crucial to check your lease or condo regulations before attempting to grow cannabis at home.

Prohibited Activities

While cannabis is legal, certain activities are still prohibited and can result in significant penalties:

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  No smoking in public places: Aside from the specific locations listed earlier, it's important to know that many public spaces have restrictions on smoking and vaping cannabis.

  
  


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  Driving under the influence: Driving while intoxicated by cannabis, alcohol, or other drugs is illegal and treated as a severe offense. Penalties can include fines, license suspensions, and even imprisonment.

  
  


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  Possession limits: Possessing between 30 and 50 grams of cannabis in public can result in a $200 fine. Possession of more than 50 grams can lead to a $5,000 fine and up to 5 years in jail.

  
  


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  Distribution: Distributing 50 grams or less of cannabis is punishable by a $5,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail. Distributing more than 50 grams can result in a $5,000 fine and up to 14 years in jail. Additionally, distributing cannabis to a minor carries a $15,000 fine and up to 14 years in jail.

  
  


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  Cultivation: Growing 5 to 6 cannabis plants is punishable by a $200 fine. Growing more than 6 plants can lead to a $5,000 fine and up to 14 years in jail.

  
  

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