CANMORE – As Canadian municipalities grapple with decisions around enacting additional legislative restrictions on the use of legal recreational cannabis, the Town of Canmore’s elected officials won’t decide if it’s going to restrict public consumption until
Oct. 16.
While that is the day before cannabis officially becomes legal in Canada on Oct. 17, municipal officials are reminding the public there are currently provincial regulations in place around public consumption.
Manager of communications Robyn Dinnadge said Tuesday
(Oct. 2) that regardless of what Canmore council decides at its 5 p.m. regular council meeting, all residents and visitors will need to follow provincial regulations.
“Cannabis will be coming to council for a decision on Oct. 16,” Dinnadge said. “Originally, it was scheduled for Oct. 2 but, due to workload and staffing, the report was not ready for the Oct. 2 meeting. Provincial regulations around public consumption will come into effect on Oct. 17 and provide strict guidelines about where cannabis can be consumed publicly. “
In Alberta, the legal age for consumption of legal recreational cannabis is 18 years, and people are allowed to possess 30 grams.
While the federal government regulates licensed growers, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission manages distribution and retail sales through private sector businesses that operate under strict regulations. Online sales are under the purview of the Alberta Government. Albertans are allowed to grow up to four plants in their household.
As for consuming cannabis, provincial regulations restrict smoking and vaping from places where children are present, or tobacco has already been restricted.
That includes restrictions on hospital or school properties, including daycares, as well as near or within playgrounds, sports or playing fields, skateboard or bike parks, zoos, outdoor theatres, and outdoor pools.
Cannabis consumption regulations resemble those for tobacco in the province, although it is not permitted in a vehicle.
Impaired driving is also strictly prohibited, whether impairment is by alcohol or cannabis and other drugs. There is an immediate 90-day licence suspension for impaired drivers, followed by participation in a one-year ignition interlock program, as well as possible criminal charges.
