Cannabis law in Alberta (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Alberta sets the minimum age for cannabis at 18, with a public possession limit of 30 g of dried cannabis (or equivalent). Cannabis is sold by privately licensed retailers, and smoking or vaping is prohibited in listed places such as school, hospital and child care property and near playgrounds. Licensed sellers may sell up to 30 g per transaction, and novice drivers have zero tolerance for drugs.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | Minimum age 18. Up to 30 g of dried cannabis (or equivalent) in public. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [2] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Licensed retail stores for adults [2] |
| Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult | Restricted in some places [2] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum agePersonal use by an adult | 18 years [2] |
| Purchase limit in licensed shopsPersonal use by an adult | Licensed retailers and the government online store may not sell or provide more than the equivalent of 30 g of dried cannabis in a single transaction. [3] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | Zero tolerance for any alcohol or drugs for learner (Class 7) and Class 5-GDL drivers: immediate 30-day suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure and a $200 fine. Any driver who fails or refuses drug testing or a drug recognition evaluation gets an immediate 90-day suspension, a further 12-month suspension and a 30-day vehicle seizure. [4] |
Notes
- Section 90.27 permits growing subject to the federal Cannabis Act, which limits a dwelling-house to four plants. No further provincial growing conditions were found in the regulation.
- Smoking or vaping is prohibited where tobacco smoking is prohibited, on hospital, school and child care property, and within 5 m of playgrounds, sports fields, skateboard or bicycle parks, zoos, outdoor theatres and outdoor pools. Cannabis may not be used in a vehicle unless it is a temporary residence. Municipal bylaws may add limits.
Sources
- Health Canada: Authorized cannabis retailers in the provinces and territories (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alberta King's Printer: Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act (RSA 2000, c G-1) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alberta King's Printer: Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation (AR 143/96) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Alberta: Impaired driving penalties (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in Canada and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Canada
| Possession for personal use | Permitted within limits (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
|---|---|
| Quantity limits | Adults may possess up to 30 g of dried cannabis (or equivalent) in a public place. Young persons may possess no more than 5 g. (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
| Growing at home | Permitted within limits (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
| Sale to consumers | Licensed retail stores for adults (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
| Medical cannabis | Legal for medical use (source: Health Canada) |
Alberta and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Legal within limits (18+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per home | Private licensed stores | Not in listed places or vehicles | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| British Columbia | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per home | Government and private licensed stores | Not in listed places or vehicles | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Saskatchewan | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per household | Private licensed stores | Not in public places | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Northwest Territories | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per household | Government commission (NTLCC) | Private property (tobacco allowed), trails, parks | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Alberta
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (standard)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class 5-GDL, after 12 months as a learner) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14, with a supervisor aged over 18
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power bicycle: a cycle, not a motor vehicle · Minimum age: 12 (consent if under 18)
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (3-day suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero; 30-day suspension
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.