Alberta authorities will simplify bureaucracy for cannabis-related businesses
The province is going out of its way to help entrepreneurs.
Since it became legal five years ago, the cannabis market in Alberta has grown tremendously. To support business growth and protect the interests of residents, the provincial government is making some changes to the law.
For this purpose, the authorities analyzed the market and determined what could be improved and what could be abolished. The result was amendments to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation.
On January 31, 2024, the following will go into effect:
- Licensed cannabis retailers will be able to operate temporary outlets at adult-only events such as trade shows and festivals.
- Cannabis retailers will be able to store their products in locked display cases when the store is closed, rather than moving everything into a secure storage unit at the end of each business day.
- Restrictions on sales between cannabis retailers will be lifted.
However, all restrictions related to consumption and prohibition of access for youth will remain in place.
The minister responsible for the changes, Dale Nally, justified the need for reform in this way:
"These changes are the result of our latest work to help curb the illegal cannabis industry and continue providing choices Albertans can trust."
The province already reformed industry rules last year, and according to authorities, the changes have benefited Alberta's legal businesses. Among them are the following simplifications:
- removing restrictions on cannabis retail store signage (more flexibility in naming);
- simplifying the steps required for age verification for online licensing websites;
- reducing fees for licensed producers by 83% and shipping costs for retailers by 11%;
- allowing cannabis retailers to open at 9 a.m;
- allowing licensed manufacturers to provide samples to retailers to promote products.
The rules already in place and those just forthcoming make it easier to do business, help crack down on illegal sellers, keep provincial residents happy and support the tens of thousands of jobs that have been created since legalization.
