Delivery Regulations in Alberta

Designed to assist Retail Cannabis Store License (RCSL) holders and their employees, this guide provides up-to-date information on navigating the legal requirements for cannabis delivery and curbside pick-up in Alberta.

Based on AGLC content updated on March 8, 2024, this guide helps Alberta retailers ensure compliance with provincial regulatory standards. While there are similarities in cannabis sales regulations across Canada, each province has its own specific rules. Therefore, it is crucial for all cannabis retailers to stay informed of the latest provincial regulations to ensure smooth operation and legal compliance in their day-to-day activities.

Delivery FAQ's (AB):

Can retail stores offer cannabis delivery and curbside pick-up?

• Yes, retail stores authorized by AGLC can offer both cannabis delivery and curbside pick-up. Deliveries can be made by the licensee’s staff, contracted delivery drivers, or common carriers like Canada Post or FedEx. Third-party delivery services such as UberEats, SkipTheDishes, and DoorDash are not allowed.
   

What items can be sold or delivered to customers?

• Cannabis
• Cannabis accessories
• Shopping bags
• Items directly related to cannabis or its use that are not ingestible food or drinks

What are the requirements for delivering cannabis in Alberta?

• The delivery person must be at least 18 years old and possess SellSafe certification.
• Deliveries must be completed during the retailer's business hours or within 30 minutes after closing.
• Cannabis can only be delivered to locations within Alberta.
• The recipient must present a government-issued photo ID to verify they are not a minor or intoxicated.
• Individual delivery orders must not exceed 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent.
  
  

What should be done if a cannabis delivery cannot be completed?

• If cannabis is taken out for delivery but is not delivered, it must be returned to the same store on the same day. It cannot be re-delivered until the next day.
  
  

Are there specific rules for delivering to First Nations communities?

• Yes, deliveries to First Nations communities are allowed unless the community has explicitly restricted delivery. Restrictions take effect 30 days after a band council resolution is received by the AGLC.

Curbside Pick-Up FAQ's (AB)

What are the guidelines for curbside pick-up at cannabis retail stores?

• Curbside pick-up must be completed in an area adjacent to the store and within view of the store’s surveillance system.

Online Endorsement

• Alberta retailers seeking to expand from their brick-and-mortar stores to online sales (accepting prepaid orders) must request official endorsement from the AGLC. This involves emailing inspections.mailbox@aglc.ca and having the proposed website reviewed and approved by AGLC inspectors. The e-commerce platform must be hosted on the retailer's domain and meet all federal and provincial regulations, including age-gating measures and proper display of the license information.
  
  
• AGLC's Website Requirements for Online Endorsement (Online Sales): The following must be added to your website and reviewed by AGLC for Endorsement:
  • License #
  • Store Address
  • A link to: Cannabis licensee search | AGLC
  • Mandatory Social Responsibility Signage:
    • Add these two banners to the footer of your website and link them to this URL: https://cannabissense.ca
    • Download the files here: Banner 1, Banner 2
       

• Here is 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).

DISCLAIMER: The content in this article is for informational purposes only. Cannabis retail regulations in Alberta can change, and it is essential for Retail Cannabis Store License holders and their employees to stay informed of the latest legal requirements. We advise you to consult the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) directly for the most current information and regulations. Use your own discretion and consult with legal counsel when conducting retail services to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

AGLC answers Common Cannabis Questions here.