Edmonton ready for cannabis legalization
Smoking restrictions now in effect, and more stores approved for business licences
October 17, 2018

As of this morning, six cannabis retail locations were issued business licences and received final approval by the City of Edmonton to open for customers. The business licences are the last City approval that all retailers must have before opening their doors. Retailers must also have an AGLC retail cannabis store licence to purchase, store and sell cannabis.

Municipalities in Alberta each set their own public consumption rules. Edmonton’s proactive preparation for legalization day has involved hard work of many City staff over the past year to ensure business processes, public education and enforcement are ready to go.

In September, Edmonton’s City Council voted on the rules outlining where cannabis and tobacco smoking and vaping will be permitted in our city. Smoking will not be allowed within 10 metres of patios, bus stops, doorways, windows and air intakes of buildings and in parks and other places with children’s amenities. These rules take effect today and are detailed on the City’s website.

Edmontonians are encouraged to continue being good neighbours and to share the air with each other as people get used to the new smoking rules. Some people feel uncomfortable with odours, smell and secondhand smoke, so try to smoke away from neighbours’ open windows and doors to help minimize discomfort.

Work is underway to install signage and relocate public ashtrays to areas where smoking is permitted. Please continue to refer to edmonton.ca/cannabis as your resource for where you can and can’t smoke. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services also reminds Edmontonians to Stub It Right for both cannabis and tobacco.

Edmonton’s Cannabis Rules , the City of Edmonton’s public education campaign, kicked off earlier this month, with advertisements, social media and in-person outreach to businesses and stakeholders. Learn the rules and download educational resources at edmonton.ca/cannabis .
For more information:

Media contact: 
Communications Advisor
Cannabis Legalization
780-496-3868