Alberta government proposes cannabis framework – seeks feedback
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CALGARY – The provincial government has released a draft framework that sets out stipulations around legalization of cannabis in Alberta. A time period of just over three weeks is being offered to gather feedback.
The Alberta Cannabis Framework has four policy priorities for legalization: keeping cannabis out of the hands of children, promoting public safety on roads, in workplaces and in public spaces, protecting public health and limiting the illicit market.
The framework also stipulates who will be able to buy and use cannabis once it is legal, where they will be able to buy it and where they will be allowed to use it.
Draft framework details:
— A minimum age of 18 to purchase and consume cannabis.
— Provincial oversight and regulation of wholesaling and distribution of cannabis products through the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC).
— A public possession limit for adults of 30 grams.
— The ability to grow up to four cannabis plants, no taller than one metre, at home for personal use.
— Restrictions on retail locations selling alcohol, tobacco or pharmaceuticals together with cannabis.
— Strict rules around zoning retail locations and training for employees.
— Provincewide restrictions on where cannabis can be used in public, with an emphasis on protecting children and limiting second-hand exposure.
— Ability for municipalities to introduce additional restrictions on public consumption.
— New tools to expand the ability of police to address drug-impaired driving.
— Development of an extensive public education program.
Other stipulations would allow Albertans to grow four plants for personal use. The plants would have to been grown inside their homes, and not in their yards.
Youth possession would fall under ‘zero tolerance’, as those caught with five grams or less being ticketed and the information passed to their parents. A young person who had more than five grams would face Criminal Code penalties.
The province will not permit online sales, until it can be determined how to prevent youth from accessing pot by way of the internet
There is no information on how Alberta might tax the sale of pot. Right now, the federal government is proposing a tax which would be split between Ottawa and the provinces. It would see a $1 excise tax on each gram of pot up to $10, and a 10 per cent tax on sales of more than $10.
Over the summer, more than 45,000 Albertans responded to an online survey about cannabis, making it one of the most successful government surveys in Alberta’s history. The province also conducted over 100 stakeholder and sector group meetings, which sought input from Indigenous groups, private industry, municipalities, the AGLC, health-care providers, law enforcement and members of the transportation and labour sectors.
The full details on the draft framework is on the government website and Albertans have until midnight, Friday, Oct. 27 to offer feedback by way of a survey.
