FAQs: Age-Verification in Alberta

Frequently Asked Questions

#1 How do I enable/disable my Hard Age Gate in Buddi?
 

Steps to ENABLE the Hard Age Gate:

1. Sign into the Admin Portal using your Admin Account
2. Go to Store Settings > Online Menu: Configuration
3. Select 'Hard Age Gate' 
   
4. Ensure that the 'Age-Restricted Content' feature is unchecked
5. Hit 'Save'

 
Steps to DISABLE the Hard Age Gate:

1. Sign into the Admin Portal using your Admin Account
2. Go to Store Settings > Online Menu: Configuration
3. Select 'No Age Gate'
4. Ensure that the 'Age-Restricted Content' feature is unchecked
   
5. Hit 'Save'

Note: 

• With the Hard Age Gate enabled, users won't be able to see your Full Menu until they sign into an age-verified profile.

• Between March 8, 2022 to October 12, 2023, 'Hard Age Gates' were exclusively required in Alberta and integrated into online cannabis menus. These digital barriers required customers to sign up for a profile and undergo age verification with physical ID to bypass.
  
  October 13, 2023 onwards, Alberta retailers only require a 'Soft Age Gate' for their website. These are federally mandated in accordance with the Cannabis Act. All provinces are subject to this less restrictive version, which acts as a digital barrier for the website.

#2 How do I set up online payments for my Buddi menu?

• You can refer to this article for Setting up Online Payments (AB Retailers)
• Please note that you still need to apply for Online Endorsement with AGLC to conduct online sales (paid orders), even with the lifted restrictions on age verification (Oct 13 2023).
  
  Once you have received online endorsement with AGLC, email support@buddi.io to set up online payments. We will request further details from you to complete the integration.

#3 What are the website requirements for AGLC's Online Endorsement (Online Sales)?

The following must be added to your website and reviewed by AGLC:

• All License numbers for stores participating.
• All addresses for stores delivering cannabis.
• Mandatory Social Responsibility Signage (https://aglc.ca/cannabis/retail-cannabis/cannabis-retailer-social-responsibility-material)
• A link to: Cannabis licensee search | AGLC

You can check out this document for more information regarding endorsement (retrieved from AGLC's Retail Cannabis Store Handbook). For further details on this topic, please contact AGLC Inspections Branch (inspections.mailbox@aglc.ca).