March 2, 2018
This summer, the recreational use of cannabis will be legalized across Canada. Legalization will require amendments to various City of Edmonton bylaws. Over the past months, Administration has engaged with industry, stakeholders and citizens to gather their feedback and opinions on the legalization of cannabis, cannabis retail stores and public consumption. This feedback, along with the regulations set out by the Government of Alberta on February 16, are being used to inform the proposed bylaw amendments.
The City of Edmonton is currently sharing and seeking comments on a proposed land use framework for cannabis retail stores. The proposed framework is based on:
- Compliance with recently released provincial regulations
- Results of public engagement activities conducted in November and December 2017
- Providing opportunities across Edmonton for cannabis store locations
The draft framework includes separation distances from some specific types of land uses. This approach limits opportunities for cannabis stores in some commercial areas. The City welcomes your feedback on the framework in general and on the following questions:
- What types of buildings and businesses are most important for cannabis stores to be separated from?
- Should any of the proposed separation distances be changed?
Comments will be accepted until March 21, 2018.
The City of Edmonton is not currently accepting applications for cannabis retail stores. Selling cannabis for non-medical purposes is still illegal.
- The City of Edmonton is not in a position to confirm potential cannabis store locations. Separation distances and proposed zones are in a draft state and require City Council approval
Details on the application process for cannabis stores and regulations around public consumption are currently being developed. More information will be shared as soon as it is available.
