Expect the unexpected. That sage advice from Dan Rowland, director of public affairs for Denver, Col., comes after more than five years of experience dealing with the legalization of cannabis and its ripple effects. "I think it's imperative that governments, whether it's the provincial level or the local level, set themselves up to be nimble and flexible," he said. "There's a ton of education that needs to happen. "Even for savvy consumers, there's going to be a regulated marketplace for this, so they need to know what that means, as well." [continues 341 words]
Certain cannabis crimes ... will vanish altogether, thus resulting in less enforcement. The city's claims that cannabis legalization is going to be a big money loser for them should certainly not be taken with a grain of salt, but rather, a few kilos of it. Or, to put it another way, what are they smoking down at city hall? A council committee last week heard the details on administration's latest estimates around the cost of legalization: about $10 million or so a year, or about the equivalent of a one per cent increase in property taxes. [continues 584 words]
Laziness, not criminal intent, was likely behind a city police officer's decision to take home seized drugs, a judge ruled Tuesday. Provincial court Judge Jerry LeGrandeur said he had a reasonable doubt Const. Robert Cumming took home marijuana handed over to him by an undercover officer for his own personal use. LeGrandeur said Cumming's conduct in placing the contraband in his garbage bin in the alley behind his house before retrieving it hours later supported the suspended officer's story. [continues 466 words]
Feds up profit split on pot deals So, pot czar Justin Trudeau, realizing his actual street dealers were on the verge of a revolt, turned to his Mr. Big, Bill Morneau, and told him to divvy up a more saleable split of the profits from upcoming pot deals. When profits are projected to be in the billions, honour among thieves, and we say "thieves" with all due respect, begins to lose its lustre. After all, it will be the street dealers who will be taking on the majority of the risk, meaning all those premiers hypnotized by dollar signs who will have to set up their own turf, build their own drug outlets, collect the juice from the sales, and deal with law enforcement should the criminal element invade their space. [continues 500 words]
As we stumble down the cobblestones on the uneven and relatively unchartered path to marijuana legalization, we're bound to trip once or twice. But so far, we have to give props to the provincial government for appearing to get it right. So far we have agreed with the legal age of 18, we accept the private/public sales model and, for the most part, agree with rules on where you can and can't smoke up. This week's successful negotiation with the federal government on tax revenue is another case in point. [continues 375 words]
Back in the day, before society was enlightened and educated, homosexuality was a crime and people who broke the law were punished. Now those people have received one of (Prime Minister Justin) Trudeau's famous, weekly, tearful apologies, along with some cash and all is forgiven. I don't agree with the way the LGBTQ people were treated but it was a different world back then and we learn from our mistakes. Unfortunately, now the precedent has been set. Cannabis is about to become mainstream after decades of being illegal, so I suppose anyone who has been charged, convicted or incarcerated relating to a pot offence will also receive a heartfelt, tearful apology and erasure of their criminal record, along with a cheque to go with it? Along with everyone else in Canada, I'm suffering pretty severe trauma watching our massive joke of a prime minister as he continually embarrasses Canadians and wastes our hard-earned money. So in a few years, I'm fully expecting a tearful, heartfelt apology from whomever replaces Trudeau to all Canadians along with a few million bucks to go with it. Oh, wait, who pays the bill for that? Chris Rose (There's no end to the number of people who have been badly treated over the years. It's called history.) [end]
A union that represents 3,000 oilsands workers at Suncor Energy sites i n northeastern Alberta has won a court injunction against random drug testing. Unifor Local 707- A had argued that random testing would be a violation of workers' rights and privacy. Calgary-based Suncor has said random tests are needed to bolster safety and wanted to start the program this month. In his ruling, Queen's Bench Justice Paul Belzil said the privacy rights of employees are just as important as safety. "In my view the balance of convenience favours granting the injunction," Belzil said in a written judgment released Thursday. [continues 388 words]
Nenshi wants share of federal tax revenues The legalization of recreational marijuana will cost the city of Calgary more than $10 million annually in policing, bylaw and administration costs - a tab the mayor wants the federal government to ease by giving municipalities a one-third share of tax revenues from pot sales. Council's Intergovernmental Affairs Committee heard Thursday that administration's latest estimates peg the price of cannabis legalization on city coffers at between $9 million and $12 million every year - the equivalent of about a one per cent increase in property taxes annually. [continues 428 words]
The County of Strathcona prides itself on being a "champion for advancing diverse agricultural business." We hope that you keep this spirit in mind when voting on the request to place a moratorium on cannabis operations under intensive horticulture in Strathcona County. As a county that puts priority on being a place that is open for business and investment, this moratorium is counter-intuitive to Strathcona's strategic priorities and goals. With agricultural expertise and well-honed entrepreneurial spirit, Alberta is poised to be a leader in the Canadian cannabis industry. [continues 787 words]
A group of Alberta's future doctors are calling on the provincial government to use cannabis tax revenue to fund mental health initiatives for youth. At least, that will be the pitch when 40 medical students from the University of Alberta and University of Calgary get together Monday with MLAs from various parties. The Alberta Medical Students' Association has previously used its annual meeting at the legislature to push for investments in mental health, but this time the group wants funding for young adults and children at risk of adverse childhood experience. They are also calling for the formation of a cannabis and youth advisory board to work on future prevention, education and intervention efforts. [continues 289 words]
Alberta cities want to hash out details on dealing with fallout from legalized marijuana Who's going to do what, who's going to pay for what?" Barry Morishita, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association The newly elected president of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Barry Morishita, said the NDP government has been good at keeping municipalities in the loop as it works through cannabis legalization. But the Brooks mayor said municipalities are still looking for answers in some areas as the July 1, 2018, deadline for legalization moves ever closer. [continues 627 words]
Top grower says science convinced him despite his initial reluctance Jim Hole is getting into the commercial cannabis game and he couldn't be happier. In fact, the St. Albert greenhouse owner who has dedicated a lifetime to horticulture can't remember the last time he was this excited about growing a plant. This week, Hole's Greenhouses and Atlas Growers, an Alberta-based medicinal and recreational cannabis producer, joined forces to create a partnership that they hope will produce the very best commercial quality harvest of legal marijuana in the industry. [continues 331 words]
On Monday, Nov. 27, The Cannabis Act passed third reading. This was the last vote in the House of Commons before the legislation goes to the Senate for review and approval. The government's plan is to have marijuana on the market for recreational use starting July 1, 2018. I voted "no" to this legislation. Here's why: The Liberal government has been told by numerous authorities, including the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, to slow down. There's no reason the legislation needs to come into effect on July 1, 2018 and law enforcement agents have warned the government of the negative impact its rushed time frame will have on officers and the safety of Canadians. [continues 782 words]
CALGARY - It looks like Canadian Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Ross Rebagliati may have been right all along. Rebagliati, the first Olympic gold medalist for Men's Snowboarding at the 1998 Winter Olympics, was initially disqualified after THC, the main ingredient in marijuana, was found in his system in a drug test. The decision was eventually overturned since cannabis wasn't a banned substance but Rebagliati maintained the positive drug test was the result of second-hand smoke. Now a study from the Cummings School of Medicine at the University of Calgary seems to support his claim. [continues 358 words]
While support for cannabis legalization has grown tremendously in recent years, it's also true that there isn't unanimous consensus that it's the right thing to do. However, it's also the case that legalization is for all intents and purposes a done deal, and so arguments against it are rather moot at this point. Moreover, bizarre and irrational arguments against legalization are not only moot, but really only serve to embarrass and discredit those making them. For Alberta's new United Conservative Party, dabbling in such foolishness would represent a totally avoidable self-inflicted wound. Obviously, the Rachel Notley government did not legalize cannabis, but rather - as is the case with every other province - is designing and implementing regulations around legalization. [continues 554 words]
Issues to be resolved include licensing, zoning and added cost of enforcement Cities and towns across Alberta are looking for details - and possibly cash - from the provincial government in anticipation of legal recreational marijuana next year. The newly elected president of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Barry Morishita, said the NDP government has been good at keeping municipalities in the loop as it works through cannabis legalization. But the Brooks mayor said municipalities are still looking for answers in some areas as the July 1, 2018, deadline for legalization moves ever closer. Money, as usual, is a major issue. "Who's going to fund the cost of services from the change in legislation?" Morishita said in a recent interview. [continues 599 words]
Marijuana advent calendars creating a buzz. With advent (coming from Latin) being one of the most important events in Christianity, as it is revisiting the time leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, I cannot think of anything more egregious than selling marijuana advent calendars. Maybe pot has already damaged the people's brains who came up with such an outrageous plan. I am sure if they so offended Islam, there would be rioting. I can well imagine when pot is legalized next July, we will see even more of this type of pure lunacy. I hope the orchestrators of this will immediately withdraw these offending calendars. Larry Comeau (Is it really that much different from alcohol advent calendars, which have been around for a while?) [end]
Proposed cannabis tax another hurdle for medical marijuana users Dick Sobsey slowly walks into a meeting room for an informative, thought-provoking and, really, a scratchyour-head conversation that evades the parameters of conventional thinking. "I may be retired," Sobsey said, referring to his distinguished career as Professor Emeritus at the University of Alberta. "But," he paused before, almost theatrically, lowering the boom, "I'm still complaining." Quite on the contrary, to be brutally honesty. Aside from Sobsey's intellectual prowess, the role, I think, he tightly embraces the most is father to David: a 27-yearold grown man who lives with intractable epilepsy, [continues 368 words]
Everyone wants a safe work environment, including the provincial NDP government, which this week introduced a number of measures aimed at reducing injuries and deaths on job sites. Employees will now have the right to refuse work they deem to be dangerous, for instance. They've always had the ability to reject tasks they felt put them at risk, but instead of protection being included in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, it will soon form part of Bill 30, the cleverly titled An Act to Protect the Health and Well-being of Working Albertans. [continues 361 words]
Re: "Booze, drugs 'profound' woes, Suncor says," Nov. 28. There has been little concern expressed during its committee study by the Trudeau government, in its rush to legalize marijuana, about the real possibility of an increase in accidents in the workplace, once it becomes legal. Unlike alcohol, which is excreted from one's body in about 12 hours, THC remains in the system for many, many days. This means workers can show up on the job still partially stoned. There is also the real likelihood more workers will be using marijuana on the job, thereby placing themselves and co-workers at an increased risk of injury or death. [continues 53 words]
Canada is currently in the midst of an opioid overdose crisis. The two most western provinces and territories - British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon and the Northwest Territories - have been hit especially hard, likely due to their relative proximity to China, where much of the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl is produced. According to Government of Canada statistics from 2016, B.C. and Yukon each had more than 15 opioid overdoses per 100,000 people, while Alberta and N.W.T. each had between 10 and 14.9 overdoses per 100,000 people. [continues 514 words]
Trudeau's Liberals have been rushing their campaign promise to legalize marijuana in Canada while medical professionals, provinces, municipalities, Canada's policing community and the Conservative Opposition have raised serious concerns on the timeline and the impacts. This week the Liberal government released an online consultation about their new regulations. They are repeating many of the mistakes recently highlighted as problems in Colorado. The Colorado Spring Gazette reported that after five years of legalized marijuana the negative community and youth impacts have been significant and problematic. High school drug violations were up 71 per cent along with an increase in school suspensions. Grade school children, kids aged 5-13, saw drug violations increase 45 per cent. Marijuana use among Colorado youth was the highest in the United States, even though the legal age to purchase and possess is 21 years old. Deadly crashes where drivers tested positive for marijuana doubled in five years. Homelessness growth is among the top of their country. In fact, the legalization of marijuana has attracted many homeless to Colorado, putting strains on their supports systems. [continues 243 words]
Police and Courts OTTAWA - Alberta's premier says she's worried that marijuana legalization could drive up policing and court bills her province cannot afford to pay. The justice system is already overburdened and enforcing new pot-related measures could make things worse, Rachel Notley warned in an interview with The Canadian Press. Notley said she was surprised by the recent federal proposal to levy an excise tax on recreational marijuana once it becomes legal next July, with the provinces and territories receiving just half the revenue. [continues 359 words]
Why is the federal government in such a hurry to pass its marijuana legalization legislation when there are still so many questions and so few answers? Recently, the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police said that the legislation is coming too fast, stating that, "There is insufficient time to prepare the necessary legislative framework and regulations to ensure the public safety." The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs warned that it will be "impossible" to be ready for the government's target of legalizing marijuana by July 2018. Do these things not matter? [continues 193 words]
Re: "Warnings, plain covers for pot packaging," Nov. 22. Aside from bona fide medical use, it seems pot legalization may help lull a populace into a sleepwalking oblivion from the world and issues. More happy campers, more votes? By the way, will there be surgeon general warnings on pot packages? Marijuana effects can include secondhand smoke, dependency, mental impairment, impaired driving, seizures, psychosis, damaged blood vessels, chronic bronchitis, strokes, heart attack, etc. Cigarette producers may be rubbing their hands with glee, with finally a double standard perhaps exonerating them. Then there's the spectre of bootleg marijuana to underage people. Will the next move be a marijuana leaf Cannabian flag? Will the motto be Qu'ils mangent de la brioche - "Let them eat cake," or translated nowadays, "Let them smoke pot.' Jeff Miller, Calgary [end]
Suncor faces "profound problems" with drugs and alcohol at its oilsands operations, including accidents, injuries and death, according to documents filed to support the company's push for increased testing. The energy giant wants to start random drug and alcohol testing Friday in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), more than five years after Unifor local 707A won an injunction putting the proposed program on hold until an arbitration board's decision. Although the board sided with the union, a judge later overturned the ruling, a verdict upheld in September by the Alberta Court of Appeal, which ordered a new arbitration hearing. Unifor, which is seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, will ask for another injunction Thursday, but Suncor argues in court documents there has been 73 safety incidents in the last four years where workers tested positive for drugs or alcohol. These include a driver whose idling, unattended truck rolled into a gas oil unit; a forklift operator lifting a 4,500-kg pipe that rolled to the ground; and a dozer driver whose machine tipped over, environment, health and safety vice-president Mike Agnew states in an affidavit. [continues 337 words]
The number of people in Alberta who died by accidentally overdosing on fentanyl in the first nine months of this year has exceeded the total number of deaths attributed to fentanyl in all of 2016, according to a new provincial report. The Alberta government says 400 people died between January and the end of September by accidentally consuming fatal amounts of fentanyl, compared with 357 for all of last year. On average, 1.8 people have died every day from accidentally overdosing on opioids, which include fentanyl, in the province. [continues 518 words]
Latest statistics suggest Alberta will see nearly 550 fentanyl-tied deaths this year Fentanyl-related overdoses killed 400 Albertans in the first nine months of the year, according to new statistics on the opioid crisis that also revealed a disturbing rise in the emergence of highly toxic carfentanil. The numbers, released Monday in Alberta Health's latest quarterly report, show the province has avoided any major spikes in fentanyl fatalities this year, but has also failed to stop the death toll from climbing. [continues 401 words]
Re: Paying for the privilege of smoking pot. Premier (Rachel) Notley stated this week that legal pot could see justice costs climb and questioned who should be paying - the provinces or the federal government? But additional judicial costs should not be her only concern. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use revealed the cost of marijuana-only drugged driving crashes cost Canadians in excess of $1.09 billion in 2012 alone. Marijuana use is now resulting in far too many young users being admitted to psychiatric hospitals. The level of potency and the prevalence of daily use is causing tremendous damage to the minds and health of many. Some 27% of Canadians who are 15 years of age and older who use marijuana use this drug everyday. The addiction rate for daily use is one in two. Marijuana is linked to episodes of psychiatric breaks of reality, a seven-fold increase in risk of suicide ideation, and early onset of schizophrenia - in some cases by seven years. Marijuana legalization will see more marijuana use, not less, and it will cost both the user and non-user greatly. Pamela McColl (And yet here we are.) [end]
Occasionally, Alberta's NDP government manages to demonstrate that it is capable of balance and pragmatism. Unfortunately, that also underscores the frustration of so frequently seeing them do the opposite. In preparing for legalized cannabis, the NDP must have been awfully tempted to follow the advice of their friends in the labour movement and build a network of government-built and government-operated retail outlets. But other than a pre-existing ideological bent, there really wasn't a case to be made for such an approach. The costs would be considerable, and there would not necessarily be any corresponding payoff in terms of better outcomes. Moreover, it would simply delay the rollout of legalized cannabis and prove to be a gift to the black market. [continues 556 words]
Why is the federal government in such a hurry to pass its marijuana legalization legislation when there are still so many questions and so few answers? Just last week, the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police said that the legislation is coming too fast, stating that, "There is insufficient time to prepare the necessary legislative framework and regulations to ensure the public safety." The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs warned that it will be "impossible" to be ready for the government's target of legalizing marijuana by July 2018. Do these things not matter? [continues 200 words]
Why is the federal government in such a hurry to pass marijuana legalization legislation when there are still so many questions? The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police said the legislation is coming too fast, stating, "there is insufficient time to prepare the necessary legislative framework and regulations to ensure the public safety." Do these things not matter? Why is government not listening to its own department of health which warned youth under the age of 25, whose brains are still developing, should not be smoking marijuana? Why are they ignoring evidence that says more youth will smoke marijuana and car crashes due to impairment will increase significantly? [continues 51 words]
A Vancouver cannabis firm with holdings in Alberta and a greenhouse under construction in California expects to debut its shares on a Canadian stock exchange in the coming weeks - with big warnings to investors. Sunniva Inc. will be the first pot stock to hold an initial public offering after securities regulators set out new rules for companies with assets in the United States, where cannabis remains federally illegal. While several U.S. states have liberalized cannabis laws, securities watchdogs in Canada say there are risks with investing in cannabis stocks that have American assets, including that the companies face potential asset seizures and prosecution by federal U.S. authorities. [continues 442 words]
Why is the federal government in such a hurry to pass its marijuana legalization when there are still so many questions and so few answers? Just this week, the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police said the legislation is coming too fast, stating, "There is insufficient time to prepare the necessary legislative framework and regulations to ensure the public safety." The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs warned it will be "impossible" to be ready for the government's target of legalizing marijuana by July 1, 2018. Do these things not matter? [continues 187 words]
The rules governing legal marijuana sales in Alberta, released by the NDP government on Thursday, are a bit uptight. Really!? Licensed pot dispensaries won't be able to sell customers tortilla chips at the same time they sell them a 4g bag of Purple Kush or Grape Ape or Bubba Rockstar? Do the NDP truly believe that consumption of Doritos leads to overdosing on weed use rather than the other way around? What's the problem with letting Albertans kill two cravings with one stoner? [continues 432 words]
Legal pot a danger to youth, he says SHERWOOD PARK - Utah Johanson wears three rings on his fingers: a skull to show that death is always close, a Harley-Davidson ring from his dad and a ring in the shape of the number 13 - unlucky 13 - to show the life he lived and his misfortunes. His T-shirt reads: "If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change your attitude." The 21-year-old, who now dreams of being an engineer or physicist, was once a drug dealer. He is currently an honours student at NorQuest College, studying physics and math. [continues 284 words]
U of A prof calls misinformation about pot 'alarming' In light of the Alberta government announcing its regulations for the retail sale of marijuana, Metro spoke with a public health expert Tuesday to clarify some hazy topics around legalization. Elaine Hyshka, professor in the University of Alberta's school of public health and co-chair of the Minister's Opioid Emergency Response Commission, said it's "alarming" how much misinformation circulates on cannabis, and she helped us bust the myths. Myth #1: Legalization will lead to a spike in cannabis use among young people [continues 396 words]
Former addict speaks at cannabis legalization forum SHERWOOD PARK - Utah Johanson wears three rings on his fingers: a skull to show that death is always close, a Harley-davidson ring from his dad and a ring in the shape of the number 13 - unlucky 13 - to show the life he lived and his misfortunes. His T-shirt reads: "If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change your attitude." The 21-year-old, who now dreams of being an engineer or studying physics, was once a drug dealer. He is currently an honours student at Norquest College, studying physics and math. [continues 284 words]
Landlords hope for Human Rights Act exemption Alberta landlords are asking the province to nip possible human rights cases in the bud when it comes to cannabis use in rental properties, but the province doesn't see that happening. In a letter to the province, the Alberta Residential Landlords Association asked the province to revisit the residential tenancies act. The group is also asking for an exception to the Alberta Human Rights Act to make sure the right to prohibit cannabis smoking and growing is crystal clear. [continues 389 words]
Alberta won't limit the number of private cannabis stores once retail sales are legalized next July, according to new details released Thursday by the NDP government. The province confirmed that it will look to private retailers to sell legal weed from brick-and-mortar storefronts, instead of government-run outlets chosen by several other provinces, such as Ontario and Quebec. Online sales in Alberta, however, will be available through a publicly run system, which is meant to ensure residents can tell the difference between legal and illicit retailers on the internet. [continues 741 words]
On the street, a dealer selling pot at $10 per gram better deliver the goods - high THC content sufficient to get a good buzz - or clientele will go elsewhere. Word gets around fast. Similarly, if the provincial government doesn't deliver the goods, plans to reap millions in taxes from selling pot will go up in smoke. The government hasn't said a word about the THC content in its pot and journalists have been remiss in not asking this, the most important question. If the THC content is the same as or close to the content found in medical marijuana, there most certainly will not be a buzz. And that's the main reason for smoking a joint. Neighbourhood dealers may have nothing to fear. [continues 58 words]
The Alberta government's proposed rules for selling legal marijuana are a bit fuddy-duddy. For the most part, they're pretty good. Private retailers will handle in-person sales; unionized government workers will be in charge of online purchases. (Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery). What the Notley government is proposing is very likely a workable system. It will not eliminate illegal weed sales entirely. But it will make buying bud convenient enough that most people will be persuaded to go the law-abiding-citizen route. [continues 550 words]
Be smart. Not stupid. As we travel down the road to pot legalization in Canada, provincial governments across the country are scrambling to update a number of laws, including impaired driving rules. Here in Alberta, the government has announced its changes to impaired-driving legislation. The NDs plan to impose a maximum $1,000 fine for a positive blood test of two to five nanograms per millimetre of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), along with a minimum $1,000 fine for a first-time conviction on a reading above five. [continues 315 words]
Pot rules largely workable but ban on weed sales at liquor stores makes no sense The Alberta government's proposed rules for selling legal marijuana are a bit fuddy-duddy. For the most part, they're pretty good. Private retailers will handle in-person sales; unionized government workers will be in charge of online purchases. (Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery). What the Notley government is proposing is very likely a workable system. It will not eliminate illegal weed sales entirely. But it will make buying bud convenient enough that most people will be persuaded to go the law-abiding-citizen route. [continues 550 words]
Alberta's police chiefs are feeling "overwhelmed" figuring out how to adjust policing practices ahead of marijuana legalization, Edmonton police Chief Rod Knecht said. "The timelines are extremely tight," Knecht said outside an Edmonton Police Commission meeting at city hall on Thursday. In an open letter, the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police warned the scheduled July 1, 2018, legalization leaves "insufficient time for the full consideration necessary in the creation of the regulatory framework to ensure the safety of Albertans." [continues 232 words]
Private operators still await rules for selling legal weed starting July 1 Alberta won't limit the number of private cannabis stores once retail sales are legalized next July, according to new details released Thursday by the NDP government. The province confirmed that private retailers will sell legal weed from brick-and-mortar storefronts, instead of government-run outlets chosen by several other provinces, including Ontario and Quebec. Online sales in Alberta, however, will be available through a publicly run system, which is meant to ensure residents can tell the difference between legal and illicit retailers on the internet. [continues 775 words]
Potential retailers comment as Alberta releases rules for cannabis shops, sales Private retailers who want to sell legal marijuana in Alberta next July 1 won't be able to do so alongside alcohol, or even a bag of chips. Under proposed rules introduced by the province Thursday, retailers will be restricted to sales of cannabis and cannabis-related goods such as lighters and rolling papers. There's no word on how much legal marijuana will cost, but 420 Clinic founder Jeff Mooij says that won't matter to consumers. [continues 407 words]
Private retailers who want to sell legal marijuana in Alberta come July 1 won't be able to do so alongside alcohol, or even a bag of chips. Under proposed rules introduced by the provincial government Thursday, retailers will be restricted to sales of cannabis and cannabis-related goods. Stores also will have to operate under a specific cannabis business licence. That means liquor stores won't be able to set up a wall and a separate storefront with booze on one side and bud on the other. [continues 423 words]
Inside Alberta
