Cannabis in Canmore

The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to legalize, regulate, and restrict access to cannabis. The Cannabis Act came into force on October 17, 2018.

Provinces and territories are responsible for determining how cannabis is distributed and sold within their jurisdictions. Learn more from the Alberta Government.

 Cannabis is legal in Alberta, but: 

• only if you're 18+
• only from licensed stores or albertacannabis.org
• 30 grams is the most you can buy or carry at a time
• you can't smoke in some public places - know your local laws
• only four plants can be grown per household
• driving high is illegal
• it can't be within reach of anyone in a vehicle
• edibles are not yet legal to sell
• kids can't enter cannabis stores, even with an adult

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) commission's details on licensing and establishing a cannabis retail operation can be found here.

Albertans are allowed to consume cannabis in their homes and in some public spaces where smoking tobacco is allowed, but use is banned in cars. In an effort to protect children and limit second-hand exposure, public smoking or vaping of cannabis in Alberta is prohibited from any place where tobacco is restricted (such as stores, restaurants, recreation centres, transit shelters) as well as in the following places:

• on any hospital property, school property, or child care facility property
• playground
• sports or playing field
• skateboard or bicycle park
• zoo
• outdoor theatre
• outdoor pool or splash pad
• in cannabis retail outlets

The AGLC provides strict government oversight through licensing. Though cannabis cafes and lounges are not permitted as of Oct. 17, 2018, the legislation also gives the authority to regulate these forms of establishments should government decide to allow them at a later date.

The Government of Alberta has indicated that municipalities across the province will have a role in developing policies and regulations for cannabis that are within their control and responsibility, such as land use regulations around retail sales and use in public places, such as parks and streets.

On Oct. 16, 2018, Council passed pdf Bylaw 2018-24 (326 KB) that prohibits the smoking or vaping of cannabis in public places and hotels.

Anyone who is authorized by a medical document may smoke or vape in public places allowed by provincial legislation, but not in hotels. The person needs to be carrying their authorization with them.

pdf Bylaw 2018-03 (1.67 MB) passed final reading on June 5, 2018 which sets out the hours of the stores and locations where cannabis retail stores may be allowed.  See maps below.

On Feb. 2, 2021, Council passed Bylaw Amendment 2021-02 to remove specific references to hotels.  The Canmore Hotel and Lodging Association's current building regulations dictated by the Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act, cover the smoking of cannabis, making the specific mention of hotels redundant in the bylaw. The scope of the bylaw was otherwise unchanged since it continues to function well in the community.