Much has changed in the cannabis sector since Alberta’s 2023 provincial election – new Ministerial appointments as well as the transfer of AGLC to the Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Ministry.

With 62 months of legalization behind us, there have been many opportunities to make room for
improvement. At each step of the process, we congratulate the SA/RTR Ministry and the AGLC for
making the bold and progressive changes required. We have seen the cannabis sector transition from a new industry, to one that has struggled, and now to one that is beginning to find solid ground. These policy changes continue that momentum and are welcomed with open arms.

In the Spring of 2023, the Ministry asked us to throw all of our red tape reduction ideas on paper.
We certainly did so – not only in cannabis, but in the liquor and gaming sectors as well. We’re so grateful to see that our advice has been heeded and now there is a third red tape reduction change in the cannabis sector that leads back to our original submission.

Many of these ideas are not new, like sales at festivals. This was an idea first brought forth by Diplomat in May 2021. In fact, this very deck was shopped around the entire country to regulators, festival planners, and within the cannabis industry:

We’re so glad to be on the cutting edge of innovation and progressive industry building. Alberta truly is
the land of opportunity and we are so excited to see what changes are made next.
In the meantime, we’re now doubly excited for Alberta’s 2024 festival season!

For more information, check out our interview with Global Edmonton.