Cannabis stores receive warning

Advertising violations in future will result in fines, AGLC warns retailers

Tight limits on advertising have been breached by some cannabis retailers, says the provincial agency regulating them.

Operators of those fledgling businesses could face fines if they continue in failing to conform to federal and provincial regulations, said Alberta Government Liquor Cannabis spokeswoman Kaleigh Miller.

“The AGLC has been made aware of various stores who are advertising in some fashion — some prior to Oct. 17,” Miller said in an email.

“Going forward, should we continue to see issues, fines will be issued by AGLC Regulatory Services.”

She said the offenders have been contacted and provincial and federal restrictions are being discussed with retailers, she said.

“AGLC is working with retail locations to educate and assist with understanding the new policies and regulations in place,” said Miller.

Those regulations prohibit any promotions that appeal to youth or product price and their distribution.

Testimonials are also banned as are any presentations that might evoke an emotional response or depiction of glamour.

Miller didn’t say who was cited for the violations or the specific breach.

A spokesman for one of the stores operating in Calgary — Nova Cannabis Willow Park — said his chain wasn’t involved.

Dave Crapper of Alcanna said it’s not surprising some businesses would run afoul of restrictions.

“It’s early days and some of these folks wouldn’t be as up on the rules as others are,” said Crapper.

He said the regulations are more in line with that tight advertising rules governing tobacco, adding they can be frustrating.

“It is what it is; it’s difficult to work with some of these, but you make it work,” said Crapper, noting retailers must black out their windows to ensure minors can’t see inside.

Other store owners said they, too, are abiding by the rules and welcome any crackdown on those who don’t.

While those advertising regulations will likely be loosened in the coming years as the legal cannabis trade becomes increasingly normalized, a lawyer specializing in the field said the laws are likely on solid legal ground for now.

“I’m not aware of how the cur-

Some of these folks wouldn’t beasuponthe rules as others are.Itiswhatit is; it’s difficult to work with some of these, but you make it work.

rent provincial cannabis advertising rules could be attacked by way of a constitutional challenge,” said Alex Kooiman of Quarry Park Law.

“The courts will likely give the province wide latitude on attempting to shield minors from cannabis as a justification for such strict advertising rules.”

He noted the laws governing alcohol are much looser in comparison.

For example, “Cannabis retailers in Alberta cannot advertise cannabis products on roadside signs like liquor stores currently do,” said Kooiman.

One of the federal government’s stated reasons for legalizing recreational cannabis was to keep it out of the hands of minors or reduce its use by them, by confining sale of pot to licensed, regulated sources.

Recreational cannabis industry players have promoted their brands by sponsoring or organizing events, through trade shows and placing their logos on swag.

Meanwhile, city police say they’ve received six noise complaints about crowds waiting to enter both Nova Cannabis’ store and the Four20 Premium Market at Southland Crossing, with the most recent ones occurring on Saturday.

The stores, which each attracted three complaints, were warned and not ticketed.

Four20 temporarily changed its closing hour from 2 a.m. to 10 p.m. due to the complaints.