Kid-friendly names for pot shops banned under rules
EDMONTON The Alberta government will prohibit cannabis stores from using names that sound medical or attract children under new legislation introduced Monday.
“This (bill) is a priority for our government, and Albertans have told us loud and clear it’s a priority for them, too,” Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley told a news conference.
The estimated 250 private retail pot shops expected to open in Alberta after the federal government legalizes recreational cannabis later this year can’t use names with “medi,” “pharma” or other words that imply therapeutic benefits.
They also won’t be allowed to entice underage customers through cartoon characters or names aimed at kids.
“We don’t want (companies) going out there and making it look very palatable to children, and we don’t want them to suggest the recreational stream has medical benefits,” Ganley said.
“We still allow private industry in this sector. It will be allowed to do certain things with advertising, just not all things.”
The legislation will also let the renamed Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (which will keep the initials AGLC) make rules allowing individuals to brew their own wine and beer in shops as well as at home.
U-brew operations exist in seven other provinces and regulators hope they’ll operate in Alberta by the end of the year.
“We have heard loud and clear that Albertans want them,” Finance Minister Joe Ceci said.
“When I brought it up to small brewers and small liquor manufacturers, they haven’t expressed any concerns. They see this as a complementary thing to their businesses.”
Other highlights of the bill include:
Permitting bars to infuse alcohol with flavouring to create and store specialty drinks, although they can’t be infused with cannabis.
Making clear people can’t smoke or vape cannabis at businesses, to prevent health danger from second-hand smoke.
Adults will be able to eat cannabis products in most public places (except vehicles) once the federal government allows them next year.
Creating a process to permit general stores to sell pot in towns too small to support stand-alone outlets.
About 60 communities have combined liquor-grocery stores, but provincial officials expect online sales to cover much of the marijuana demand in remote locations.
Industry stakeholders had been anticipating rules on licensing and where shops can be located ahead of legalization scheduled for July 1.
The Alberta government has opted for privatized brick-andmortar stores and publicly run online sales.
Budget 2018 projected a $90-million loss to the provincial government over the next two years while the fledgling cannabis industry is set up in Alberta.
In 2020-21, the industry is estimated to generate a profit of $37 million for government coffers.