With the legalization of cannabis, there has been a whirlwind of changes both in Calgary’s community and our culture. Use has become more widespread, but with the passage of legalization falling further and further behind us, awareness of the laws surrounding cannabis and its uses is less present in day-to-day discussions.
Today we’re going to take a quick look at the basic bylaws in Calgary and some regulations that seem to cause confusion within our dispensary.
Important Calgary Cannabis Bylaws You Must Know
ID MATTERS
Something we frequently see in the store is confusion surrounding AGLC ID laws. We strongly recommend that you always bring your ID to the store, especially if you come in a group. If our Budtenders elect to ID you or a member of your group, we will need to see the ID of everyone who came in together. This rule is enforceable by the AGLC and is related to bootlegging laws. Once a store has requested a party’s ID, if a member of that party does not have their ID on them, we are legally required to refuse service. We know this can be a huge buzzkill, but sadly, we cannot accept photos of ID, either.
When we ask for ID, we are referring to primary ID. Acceptable forms of primary ID include but are not limited to a Government-issued ID card, Status Cards, Driver’s Licenses, Passports, Permanent Resident Cards, Ontario Health Cards, and Canadian Firearms Licenses.
Primary ID must be issued by a government and must include the following features:
- Photo
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Unique identifier number
These IDs must not be expired, or else we cannot accept them. We do accept American ID and other Foreign passports, as long as they are originals.
Occasionally we may request a secondary ID. These are usually used to confirm ID we are unfamiliar with or unsure about. Your birth certificate or health care card are examples of secondary ID. We cannot accept only a secondary ID to prove your identity.
Secondary ID must be issued by a government and must include:
- Name
- Unique identifier number
- Date of Birth
THE LIMITS OF 30g
Another point of confusion is that Canada currently has a 30g personal public carry limit for cannabis. This means we cannot sell you more than 30 grams at a time. However, if we give you adequate time to go home and drop it off, you are free to come back and pick up other products you may have been looking for that pushed you over that limit.
While this can be a bummer, we do not decide on this limit but must enforce it. This weight limit is calculated at the till by using the listed “Equivalent” weight of cannabis found on each product, and our Budtenders will be happy to help you figure out which products best suit your needs without going over the carry limit. A breakdown of the Alberta laws can be found here.
(Confused about reading labels? Here’s our “Guide To Reading Cannabis Package Labels“)
NO CONSUMING WHILE DRIVING
If you are travelling in a vehicle, much like liquor, nobody in the vehicle is permitted to consume cannabis. If you are transporting cannabis in your vehicle, you must have it locked away out of reach from the driver and passengers, like in the trunk. It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis. If you live in a parked RV, this is the only time you are permitted to consume cannabis within a vehicle, and you are not allowed to drive while under the influence. A direct link to the Calgary bylaws breakdown can be found here.
THE USE OF RECREATIONAL CANNABIS
There is also a significant amount of confusion about the consumption of cannabis. These bylaws are specifically relevant to recreational cannabis users. While cannabis may be legal in Canada, each city has different bylaws regarding how, where, and when you may be able to consume cannabis.
In Calgary, recreational users cannot consume cannabis or cannabis-infused products in any public space. Cannabis consumption is currently restricted to private property only. If you are caught recreationally consuming cannabis in any form in public spaces, you may be subject to as much as a $100 fine per instance. If you are a tenant who rents or leases a living area, please refer to your lease/renter’s agreement before consuming cannabis at home. Landlords are legally permitted to disallow the use of cannabis on their properties.
There are also very strict rules about the presence of minors in cannabis retail environments. Sorry, nobody under 18 is allowed in the store! That includes infants, toddlers, and other children. We cannot accommodate children and are legally liable if you bring them into the premises, and we will ask you to leave if you do so. We’re very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Likewise, if a customer enters the store while intoxicated, we cannot serve them and will be forced to ask them to leave. This may include offering to call Keys Please for the customer to get them home safe and sound. Suppose we see that a customer who is intoxicated or is suspected of intoxication is driving against recommendations or offers to call an alternative means for them to get home safely. In that case, we are legally obliged to take down the license plate and notify the police. This is for everyone’s safety.
(Learn about Cannabis Growing Methods right here!)
DELIVERING CANNABIS
And finally, there is only one legal venue to have cannabis delivered to you in Alberta! That is through the AGLC’s website: Alberta Cannabis. Any other group offering cannabis delivery is illegal, and Bud Bar does not offer this service. You are able to shop on our store online through Dutchie, but you must come into the store to pick up the order. You cannot purchase items through our Dutchie menu, merely set them aside for you—effectively putting them on hold until the end of that business day. If you are picking up a Dutchie order, please bring your ID.
***Disclaimer: Bud Bar is not responsible for any changes in Calgary bylaws or any bylaw infractions that private citizens may accrue from not following city bylaws. We strongly advise that all cannabis consumers look closely at their city bylaws and regulations, along with the regulations of your contracts and lease agreements***
Bud Bar is your trusted Calgary dispensary. We pride ourselves on creating an open and welcoming environment where you are comfortable and safe access to recreational cannabis. We set ourselves apart with personalized customer service with our budtenders providing one-on-one sessions so that you can learn about our cannabis products and accessories. We offer a selection of high quality yet affordable products, including flower buds, pre-rolls, oils, capsules, as well as accessories like vaporizers, bongs, and pipes. As your trusted Calgary marijuana dispensary, we can make it easy and safe for you to get recreational cannabis. Visit our marijuana stores in Calgary Northwest today, or place an order online!
