Cannabis Regulations in Vulcan County
The Government of Canada introduced Bill C-45, known as the Cannabis Act, to legalize recreational cannabis in Canada. Cannabis became legal on October 17, 2018.
Vulcan County adheres to the standards set by the Province of Alberta for regulating consumption of cannabis. Alberta’s Cannabis Framework is available here. We will continue to monitor activity within the County and engage the public regarding everything from cannabis production to sales to consumption.
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Cannabis Legalization in Alberta Short Video |
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Consuming Cannabis |
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Possession of Cannabis |
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Cannabis Retail Stores in Vulcan County |
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Growing and Processing Cannabis in Vulcan County
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Resources |
Cannabis Legalization in Alberta Short Video
Vulcan County’s approach to the legalization of cannabis is aligned with the Province of Alberta. Watch the short video below to review Alberta’s rules.
Consuming Cannabis
In Alberta, the minimum age for the purchase or consumption of cannabis is 18. Public smoking or vaping of cannabis in Alberta is prohibited in any place where tobacco is restricted, and in the following places:
- On any hospital property, school property, or child care facility property,
- In or within 5 meters of:
- A playground,
- A sport or playing field,
- A skateboard or bicycle park,
- A zoo,
- An outdoor theatre,
- An outdoor pool or splash pad, and
- Any motor vehicles, with the exception of those being used as a temporary residence, such as a parked RV.
Possession of Cannabis
Adults in Vulcan County can possess up to 30g of dried cannabis or equivalent in any other form, in a public place, in line with the federal possession limit.
People under the age of 18 are not allowed to purchase or be in possession of any cannabis. Youth who possess 5g or less will not be charged criminally, but will be subject to action similar to underage possession of tobacco and alcohol.
When cannabis is in a car, it must be secured in closed packaging, and out of reach of all occupants.
As per the Cannabis Act, adults can grow up to 4 plants per household from seeds bought from licensed cannabis retailers.
Cannabis Retail Stores in Vulcan County
All cannabis retail stores must meet or exceed various safety and security standards set by the Government of Canada and Province of Alberta. Once they have attained the approval of these higher bodies, they must receive a development permit from Vulcan County to begin development.
As per the Vulcan County Land Use Bylaw, cannabis retail stores are a discretionary use in Hamlet Commercial and Rural Commercial zones, with restrictions over and above standard commercial uses. This means that they are subject to the discretion of the Municipal Planning Commission and, potentially, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. These two bodies will hear arguments for and against the development and make a decision.
After development has been completed, cannabis retail facilities continue to be subject to monitoring regarding compliance to regulations set by all applicable governments.
Growing & Processing Cannabis in Vulcan County
Like with cannabis retail stores, cannabis production facilities must meet or exceed safety and security standards set by the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta and after receiving approval from them, must receive a development permit from Vulcan County before development is permitted to proceed.
As per the Vulcan County Land Use Bylaw, cannabis production facilities are a discretionary use in Rural Commercial and Rural Industrial zones, with restrictions over and above standard industrial uses. This means that they are subject to the discretion of the Municipal Planning Commission and, potentially, the Subdivision Appeal Board. These two bodies will hear arguments for and against the development and make a decision.
Resources
Government of Canada
- Cannabis Act
- Cannabis in Canada – Get the Facts
- Health Effects of Cannabis
- Department of Justice – Cannabis Legalization and Regulation
Province of Alberta
- Act to Control and Regulate Cannabis
- Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act
- Act to Reduce Cannabis and Alcohol Impaired Driving
- Cannabis in Alberta Fact Sheet
- Alberta Cannabis Framework and Legislation
- Cannabis Legalization in Alberta
- AGLC – Cannabis Facts
- Cannabis in Condos and Rentals
Vulcan County
For Parents
- Government of Canada - Talking With Teenagers about Drugs
- Drug Free Kids Canada – How to talk to your kids about Cannabis
Other Resources