Future of cannabis lounges hinges on legislation: report

The city’s community and public services committee is slated to review a report on the future of cannabis lounges next week.

But before the businesses can hit Edmonton’s streets, Alberta and Ottawa have to roll out separate legislations.

The report headed to Tuesday’s meeting states no provinces have licensed cannabis lounges or cafés, however, some American states do.

In California, for example, businesses have to be 600 feet from a daycare, school or youth centre, must have an odour absorbing ventilation system and have security guards patrolling during business hours.

According to the report, city staff met with the province in December to discuss potential regulations but the Alberta government has yet to unveil anything. The province has not provided a timeline for any additional discussion around cannabis consumption sites.

Jerrica Goodwin, press secretary for the minister of finance, said in an email on Thursday the government is not currently considering changes to the existing legislation for cannabis to include lounges or cafés.

The city does have some idea of what kinds of regulation could be implemented, including having age restrictions, prohibiting the sale of alcohol at the same location or at least have a separating wall and limiting visibility of lounges.

“As the province amends cannabis regulations, there may be opportunities for existing businesses, such as restaurants or cafés, to sell cannabis edibles as a secondary activity,” the report states.

“This approach could be permitted if the province enables the sale and consumption of cannabis edibles in a manner similar to how alcoholic beverages are allowed in restaurants and food establishments.

“There could also be an opportunity for growth in the packaging and distributing sectors.”