As of May 15, attendees at adults-only festivals and other events in Calgary will be able to climb to new highs with a toke or two, or a chew for a few, of cannabis bought on site. Currently, the bylaw in Calgary stipulates cannabis can be consumed at the events, but the weed cannot be sold on site. Rather, users must phone a licensed retail outlet and have their dope delivered. Calgary was the only municipality in Alberta to not allow on-site sales, but that changed on Tuesday, when Calgary city council voted in favour of an amendment to the business license bylaw to allow temporary cannabis sales at entertainment events and trade shows designed for adults only, with local retailers given priority to set up booths to sell cannabis. “This amendment marks a significant step forward for Calgary, aligning our local regulations with provincial changes and supporting our city’s vibrant entertainment scene,” says Michael Briegel, deputy chief, business safety. “By allowing cannabis sales at 18-plus events, we are ensuring compliance and implementing safety measures to protect minors.” The new bylaw stipulates cannabis sales are still prohibited at events where minors are present, and local retailers can only sell it pending AGLC approval for temporary licence extensions. .“The new bylaw is a positive change for local businesses,” says Briegel. “This opens doors for Calgary cannabis businesses to engage in large events, strengthening community bonds and boosting the local economy.” “Festivals and events make Calgary a vibrant place to live and an attractive city to visit,” added Briegel. “Allowing cannabis sales at 18-plus only entertainment events support business-friendly initiatives, the Eventful City Strategy, and provides business growth opportunities for existing cannabis retailers located in Calgary.” The motion to change the rule in Calgary was brought to council in February by Ward 11 Councillor Kourtney Penner, who said at the time, “I want to be very clear on what this is and what this isn’t, because there seems to be some confusion despite efforts to communicate what this is.” “What this is, is creating a legal business process that is in line with legislation from the provincial government. What is already happening is cannabis is being consumed at 18-plus, adult-only festivals and events. That consumption can come in many forms as cannabis is legalized in many forms.” When Penner’s original motion was presented, Councillors Dan McLean (Ward 13), Sonya Sharp (Ward 1), Jennifer Wyness (Ward 2) and Andre Chabot (Ward 10) voted against it. .After the vote, McLean said “One beer or a glass of wine, it doesn’t alter most peoples’ perception of life, but one joint, I don’t think they compare. Marijuana is a lot stronger than it was back on the 70s and 80s. You can have one beer, but you can’t have just one toke.” “I know it’s legal, but I think it sends the wrong message.” In an earlier statement, Brent Friesen, provincial medical officer of Health at Alberta Health Services, said it should be one or the other. “Alberta Health Services is looking for events to be restricted to sell either cannabis or alcohol, but not both,” said Friesen. “Combining the two greatly increases the level of impairment and the risk of injury and should be avoided.”
