Prairie Post (West Edition)

Here’s Alberta's system for legalized cannabis

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Cannabis became legal across Canada on Oct. 17. Know the Rules.

Alberta’s system for legalized cannabis will provide adults safe access to legal cannabis while protecting Alberta’s youth and public health, promoting safety on roads, in workplaces and in public spaces, and limiting the illegal market. Highlights of legislatio­n and regulation­s:

• Minimum age for purchase and possession is 18.

• Adult may possess 30 grams at any given time; there will be zero tolerance for youth under the legal age of 18 possessing any cannabis.

• Anyone under 18 caught with five grams or less will face sanctions similar to those for underage possession of alcohol or tobacco. Youth found in possession of over five grams continue to be subject to federal criminal charges.

• Adults may smoke or vape cannabis at home and in some public places, but not in vehicles, any cannabis retail outlets, anywhere smoking or vaping tobacco is already prohibited, or in specific areas frequented by children, including school and hospital properties and within five metres of skate parks, spray parks, and playground­s. Different municipali­ties may have different rules, so check with your local government.

• Adults can grow cannabis at home; up to four plants per household (not per person) for personal consumptio­n.

• Landlord and tenant agreements or condo bylaws can be used to set rules for consumptio­n and growing.

• Licence suspension­s and vehicle seizures that apply to alcohol-impaired driving have been extended to cannabis impairment. There will be zero tolerance for those on graduated licences. Cannabis consumptio­n will not be allowed in vehicles.

• The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) will provide clear oversight over the distributi­on of packaged and sealed cannabis products, ensuring only legally produced products come into Alberta. (This is similar to what’s in place now for alcohol).

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