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sales, not consumption

Alberta now allowing cannabis sales at events with minors

Jul 18, 2025 | 3:46 PM

Cannabis sales are now allowed at festivals and concerts in Alberta, even where minors are permitted.

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) says it was recently directed by the Alberta government to expand the ability for retailers to conduct cannabis sales at such public events.

Alberta was the first province to permit such sales at 18+ events, but this new policy applies to events for all ages.

It was in 2023 when the Government of Alberta made changes to legislation to allow for cannabis retailers to operate temporary sales locations at adult-only events like trade shows and festivals.

On June 25 this year, the Ministry of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction confirms, it directed AGLC to expand the policy.

“Sales must still take place in a designated minors-prohibited area,” says Karin Campbell, AGLC communications manager.

“This helps ensure that cannabis retailers can take advantage of new opportunities while also protecting public safety. Cannabis sales at events are at the discretion of the event organizer, subject to municipal approval and must comply with municipal and provincial requirements.”

Campbell clarifies, AGLC’s retail extensions are specifically for sales, not consumption.

AGLC does not issue licenses for consumption, and cannabis cannot be consumed at these events within the retail space or within a licensed beer garden.

Allowing cannabis consumption at events is at the event organizer’s discretion, must be approved by the municipality, and comply with municipal and provincial requirements, she adds.

The policy update was posted to aglc.ca and shared with cannabis industry stakeholders on July 16, 2025, and can be viewed here: Cannabis Sales at Events | AGLC.

“Cannabis has been legal for over six years, and Alberta continues to refine rules to cut red tape while protecting public health,” says Brandon Aboultaif, press secretary to Minister Dale Nally.

“This move gives legal retailers more flexibility, with strong safeguards still in place to keep cannabis out of minors’ reach.”

One Alberta cannabis company, Plantlife, is sharing their excitement about the news.

“We see this as a natural evolution of where cannabis retail is headed,” said Ian Scott, VP Operations, Plantlife Cannabis.

“Festivals bring together a wide range of Albertans — and by operating in designated 18+ zones with transparency, education, and full compliance, we’re showing how cannabis can responsibly exist in the same spaces as beer gardens or food trucks. We’re proud to be leading this shift.”

Events such as Rockin’ Thunder in Edmonton, Country Thunder in Calgary, and the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival in Edmonton, will all have cannabis sales this summer.

Applications could be submitted for temporary event licensing under this policy as of July 16.

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