Canada is among the countries where you can use cannabis legally. Nevertheless, Calgary as part of Canada, has some specific rules for Cannabis use in the city.
These rules and regulations help ensure that only high-quality, medical-grade CBD is sold and used by the people living in Calgary.
And, you even get an idea regarding “How much weed is too much weed?”
However, it’s important to take precautions and be cautious because illegal markets might also sell some other recreational products along with CBD products.
While some cannabis shops are allowed to sell CBD products legally, it’s still important to make sure these products don’t end up in the wrong hands.
What Does Cannabis Legal Use in Canada Mean for Calgarians?
Cannabis in Canada is regulated following the rules of federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Here’s a quick overview regarding what you need to know about the regulations at each level of government.
Government | Major Rules | Responsibilities |
City of Calgary | – You can consume Cannabis on private property (smoking, vaping, edibles)
– Medical cannabis is allowed in some restricted public areas. – You cannot consume recreational cannabis in public places. – Buy cannabis from licensed stores only. |
– Follow public consumption rules
– Retail locations and zoning – Education – Enforcing local, provincial, and federal laws – Keep in mind the things not to do when high. |
Government of Alberta | – The legal age to buy cannabis is 18+
– Buy from licensed stores or online – Max 30g in public is allowed. – You cannot use it when in vehicles. |
– Consider minimum age and distribution.
– Follow the retail model and rules. – Public consumption rules – Public health and education. – Workplace safety |
Government of Canada | – Driving while impaired can lead to a penalty or jail
– You can grow up to 4 plants per household. – Illegal to give/sell to anyone under 18. |
– Possession limits
– Criminal offences. – Education – Public health – Medical cannabis – Home cultivation and production |
What Calgarians Need to Know About Cannabis?
Eating raw cannabis won’t get you high.
The reason is in the plant’s chemistry. Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which are non-psychoactive.
These need to be heated in a process called decarboxylation to turn into THC and CBD, which are the compounds that cause the high.
This heating happens when you smoke, bake, or vaporize cannabis. So, if you eat raw cannabis, you’re just consuming the non-psychoactive acids, which won’t give you the high you might expect.
Weeds Back Thousands of Years.
Cannabis has a history that goes back about 11,700 years, first appearing in Central Asia near the Altai Mountains.
In this region, people used cannabis for various purposes, like making ropes and nets from its fibers, using its seeds for food, and extracting oil.
Interestingly, when our ancestors heated the plant, they discovered its euphoriant (mind-altering) effects, especially from the resin of female plants.
This discovery led them to start intentionally cultivating cannabis, choosing strains for either strong fibers or higher THC content.
As people travelled and traded around 12,000 years ago, after the last ice age, cannabis seeds spread across continents, showing how humans and the plant evolved together, helping each other grow and spread.
Cannabis Contains more Than 400 Chemicals.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a complex plant with over 400 different chemical compounds.
These chemicals include cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which influence the plant’s effects, flavor, aroma, and possible health benefits.
Besides these, cannabis also contains other compounds like alkaloids, vitamins, proteins, enzymes, sugars, and chlorophyll.
All these elements work together to create the overall effects and potential benefits of the plant.
Always Buy Your Cannabis Extracts from a Legal Source
Cannabis extracts like wax and shatter are made using complex lab equipment and chemical solvents. The extraction process can leave behind some of these solvents in the final product.
Additionally, heating cannabis extracts to high temperatures can cause new chemical reactions, which might lead to health issues.
Licensed producers follow strict regulations and inspections to ensure quality, including checking for solvents and pesticides.
However, extracts from illegal sources aren’t regulated, so you can’t be sure what chemicals or residual solvents might be in them.
Making your own extracts can also be risky. To stay safe, always buy your cannabis extracts from a licensed retailer in your area.
When Can You Use Cannabis in Calgary?
Considering the Cannabis Consumption Bylaw, you can use cannabis, but on your own private property. However, using cannabis that is recreated in any form (like smoking, vaping, or edibles) is not allowed in public places in Calgary.
There is an exception for medical cannabis, but even then, users must follow the Bylaw created for Smoking or Vaping in the City and Alberta’s Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act.
This Bylaw is enforced by the Calgary Police, City of Calgary community peace officers, and Calgary Transit peace officers.
If you violate the Bylaw, you could receive a $100 ticket.
Cannabis Use on Private Property
According to both Provincial and Municipal laws, individuals are allowed to smoke, vape, or consume cannabis on their private property.
The City of Calgary doesn’t regulate cannabis use in these spaces.
Cannabis smoke is treated similarly to tobacco smoke by the City. While the strong odor might be unpleasant for some, it is legal. If you choose to use cannabis at home, it’s considerate to smoke indoors or in areas away from your neighbors’ doors or windows.
As long as the smoke stays within reasonable levels expected from daily activities, it’s considered a normal part of urban living.
Designated Cannabis Consumption Areas
Festivals, concerts, and events hosts in Calgary can apply to set up a separate cannabis consumption space the same as a beer garden.
Councillors can also initiate a process to provide a public cannabis consumption space in their Ward. This process is all about public engagement, allowing community residents to provide feedback.
Locations are usually approved or rejected after a Public Hearing of the Council, where citizens can speak. If you’re interested in having a designated area in your community, you can contact your Councillor.
The Use of Cannabis on Rental Property and in Condos
Check the rules of your building with your landlord or condo board.
Landlord/tenant agreements or condo Bylaws might prohibit cannabis consumption.
Cannabis Cafés
Right now, there aren’t any licensed places like smoking lounges, cannabis cafés, or special bars where you can consume cannabis. This could change in the future as federal and provincial governments discuss the issue.
Where Can You Buy Cannabis in Calgary?
If you live in Calgary, and you are a first-time weed smoker, looking for a reliable place to buy cannabis in Canada, The Green Ace is your go-to option.
We offer a wide range of licensed and affordable cannabis products, all delivered straight to your door.
We take extra care to ensure your package is discreet, odour-proof, and secure. Count on The Green Ace for a hassle-free shopping experience because your satisfaction is our top priority.