As the cannabis sector evolves, there is an opportunity for Alberta to lead in developing innovative policy that assists with the stability and growth of the cannabis sector while ensuring responsible use.

As of today, it appears that Alberta will be the first province whereby cannabis can be bought and consumed while a person is at an outdoor festival/event. The purchase of such a product will be delivered to the person at the festival/event by a licensed retail store. The product will only be consumed in a designated space. No outside products will be allowed on the site. Allowing this is a significant first step in expanding the opportunities for safe and secure cannabis consumption.

However, this is a complicated process for the consumer, the retail store delivering the product, and for the festival/event organizers given they need to ensure the logistics are safe and secure for outside delivery.

There is another path — that is: allow a current cannabis retail store license holder to apply for a temporary store permit to sell products in a secure location at the festival/event site (i.e. a cannabis garden). Such an area would be subject to the same regulations regarding safety and security pertaining to a brick and mortar retail location. No outside cannabis products will be allowed on site. Food and non-intoxicant drinks will be available to purchase in the area.

Legislative/regulatory changes may have to be made to:

Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Act

• 90.09(1) Separate Business and 90.18(1) Sale of Cannabis at Licensed Premises

Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulations:

• Cannabis Store Licenses
• Prohibited relationships: other business operations
• 109(2): Licence conditions
• 121: Hours of Cannabis Sales
• 123: No use of cannabis in licensed premises
• 124/125: Minimum-Maximum price of cannabis
• 128: Separate business

Orders in Council (Part 6, 129) could be used to:

• Specify the days and hours when cannabis can be sold and consumed
• Define the terms for the sale, advertising, display, packaging, promotion and labelling of cannabis and cannabis accessories

This opportunity would ensure that any cannabis consumed at a festival/event in Alberta is regulated and controlled. Data would be generated that would help with understanding use and consumption trends while allowing for the creation of a robust educational program that would be part of the festival/event. Product inventory would be tracked and traced.