Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) announced several changes to its cannabis rules and regulations, including allowing cannabis stores to use specific terms in their signage and to use self-attestation as sufficient age gating procedures online.
Signage Requirements
In two bulletins released on October 13, AGLC informed retailers that the requirement that signs may not contains terms such as chronic, stoned, or high is no longer in effect. The Cannabis Act does not prohibit a licensee from using these terms in its signage.
Previously, this section of the Retail Cannabis Store Handbook read: “Signage may not promote intoxication. Terms and images such as, but not limited to, ‘chronic,’ ‘stoned’ or ‘high’ are not permitted.”
Age Gating Online
The second policy change enables retailers to use self-attestation as sufficient age gating procedures for their websites and social media content.
Retailers are still required to verify the age of patrons when delivering cannabis or for in-store pick up of cannabis purchases made online using valid identification.
Previously, Alberta had one of the strictest age-gating rules of any province in Canada. Retailers were unable to show product information on their websites unless users had verified their age with an ID, either in-person or through an online form.
This led to many independent retailers questioning the cost and feasibility of selling online due to the stringent regulations in Alberta. Most provinces simply require a self-attestation, such as entering a date of birth or answering yes or no to a simple age prompt.
For more information, please refer to the Retail Cannabis Store Handbook.
White Label Products
Earlier this summer, AGLC announced it was considering the possibility of allowing private label cannabis products in the province. White label products are sold by retailers with their own store branding and logo, but the products are made by a different manufacturer. This can provide a way for brands that don’t have their own manufacturing facilities to get their products onto the shelves faster and in a cost-effective way.
Currently, white label cannabis products are not permitted in Alberta but are allowed in several other provinces including Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.
AGLC conducted an online survey on the issue in August 2023; the results have not yet been released.