AGLC Announces Cannabis Welcome at Alberta Concerts and Festivals
EDMONTON, AB, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - In another nationwide first, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) is expanding cannabis access at public events. Already the first and only province in Canada to permit cannabis sales at 18+ events, cannabis will soon be available at most concerts and festivals.
"We see this as a natural evolution of where cannabis retail is headed," said Ian Scott, VP Operations, Plantlife Cannabis. "Festivals bring together a wide range of Albertans — and by operating in designated 18+ zones with transparency, education, and full compliance, we're showing how cannabis can responsibly exist in the same spaces as beer gardens or food trucks. We're proud to be leading this shift."
What the New Policy Means
"Effective immediately, cannabis store licensees may apply to AGLC for an extension of their licence to temporarily sell cannabis at events and festivals where minors are permitted. Sales shall only occur in designated areas of the event or festival where minors are prohibited."
Until now, cannabis sales were restricted to adults-only (18+) events. Retailers could sell cannabis only with a temporary license extension from the AGLC, and sales could not occur within designated consumption areas.
Under the updated rules:
Cannabis may be sold at events where minors are present, if restricted to 18+ zones
Consumption areas remain separate and 18+ only
Only licensed Alberta retailers can apply for these special permits
This change opens the door for a more inclusive, regulated cannabis presence at Alberta's top music and cultural festivals.
Plantlife Cannabis, Alberta's fastest-growing cannabis retailer, is ready to meet the moment. With multiple major festivals on the summer calendar, Plantlife is positioned to be among the first to legally sell cannabis on-site under the new framework.
"This is a huge step for the normalization of cannabis in Alberta," said Marcie Kiziak, President of Retail, Plantlife Cannabis. "We've been preparing behind the scenes, and our team is ready to operate responsibly, visibly, and in full compliance at a new kind of cultural event."
Where Plantlife Is Showing Up This Summer
Branded Graphic
Plantlife will be present — and selling — at several major festivals under the new policy:
Rockin' Thunder – Edmonton – July 11–12
Cannabis was sold on-site in an 18+ zone; minors permitted elsewhere on festival grounds.
Country Thunder – Calgary – August 15–18
Cannabis sales on site in an 18+ zone; minors permitted elsewhere on festival grounds.
"We're proud to share that this past weekend's festival marked a successful step forward in integrating legalized cannabis into the live music experience. Our on-site cannabis sales were handled with the highest standards of compliance and responsibility, working closely with regulators to ensure a safe and seamless guest experience," said Gerry Krochak, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Rockin' Thunder and Country Thunder."The feedback from festival goers was overwhelmingly positive — guests appreciated the convenience and atmosphere, and we saw respectful, responsible enjoyment throughout the weekend. We're excited about the future of enhancing festival culture in a thoughtful and progressive way. We're also happy to have this partnership lined up for our Country Thunder event in Calgary this August."
"This was a historic moment — we're proud to be the first retailer in Canada to offer legal cannabis sales at an all-ages event. Through careful planning, designated consumption areas, and clear separation from minors, we demonstrated that cannabis can be safely and responsibly integrated into major live events. This sets a new benchmark for what's possible in the evolving entertainment and cannabis landscapes," said Scott.
Great Outdoors Comedy Festival – Edmonton – Adults Only
Returning for the second year as a trusted on-site cannabis vendor.
"We're proud to partner with Plantlife Cannabis as our on-site retail partner. Their commitment to education, compliance, and responsible consumption sets the standard for cannabis retail at live events. They've created a safe and welcoming experience that aligns perfectly with the values of the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival ," said Mike Anderson, President Trixstar Entertainment, Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
A First in Cannabis + Culture Integration
Plantlife's approach to festival retail includes:
Verified ID checks to enter retail zone extensions
Branded but compliant signage inside retail zones
Product education, not just transactions
Partnerships with event organizers for safety and access planning
"We're not just showing up to sell," said Scott. "We're there to educate, engage, and help cannabis feel like a normal, safe part of Alberta's cultural moment."
Media Access & Interviews
Press, content creators, and community partners are invited to:
Visit the Plantlife booth at The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival for exclusive behind-the-scenes access
Request interview from Plantlife team
Request high-res photos, branding, and team bios
Note on Compliance
All sales and promotional activity are conducted in alignment with the Cannabis Act and AGLC regulations. No cannabis is sold or consumed in the presence of minors. Branded materials are factual, non-glamorized, and focused on responsible access.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Edmonton Journal
Opinion: Looking west from Alberta has never been more precarious
Article content It can be easy to think that nothing past the Rockies really matters to Albertans, but what's happening in British Columbia is deeply troubling. Government mismanagement of B.C.'s finances, economy and natural resources should be a warning to us all. Article content B.C. Premier David Eby has introduced economic and energy policies that are catastrophic for workers, families and businesses across his province. The provincial deficit for 2025 is at least $11 billion — and more likely to pass $15 billion, once Eby updates the numbers this fall. Article content Article content Article content Leading the parade of bad NDP ideas is Eby's CleanBC plan, which shows what happens when political ideology is placed ahead of common sense and economic reality. A recent ICBA Economics report delivered a shocking assessment, based on the B.C. government's own analysis: CleanBC will strip away $109.7 billion in economic activity from its economy by 2029 — more than 2.5 times the damage that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war and Prime Minister Mark Carney's retaliatory trade barriers could inflict. Article content Article content That's not a future Alberta should aspire to emulate. Article content CleanBC is forcing B.C. to decarbonize too much, too fast — without realistic transition plans for people, businesses or industries. It may sound virtuous from a political podium but, on the ground, it's driving up costs, deterring investment, slowing construction and making it nearly impossible to build needed housing, infrastructure and energy projects. Meanwhile, global emissions keep rising and B.C. grows poorer, not greener. Article content Article content Could Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi — whose municipal track record was defined by ballooning spending, tax hikes and a wariness of business voices trying to bring practical, on-the-ground insight to policy conversations — bring similar policies and thinking to Alberta? If handed the keys to Alberta, would he follow Eby's lead: adding red tape, building massive bureaucracies and punishing the very industries that fund our hospitals, schools and roads? Article content If not, let's hear him say it: Say that Eby's policies are dangerous and destructive. Article content Make no mistake, we support smart, balanced, common-sense climate policy. But CleanBC isn't that. It's more effective at cleaning out taxpayer coffers than it is at cleaning the air. Article content Albertans should take that as a warning, not a blueprint. Article content The ICBA report also exposed another inconvenient truth for Eby and his allies: the B.C. NDP's much-touted move to eliminate the consumer-facing carbon tax is a political stunt with almost no economic upside. The real economic pain comes from escalating industrial carbon taxes — the hidden costs, buried deep. Those are taxes that Nenshi would likely support, and they are the ones hurting job creators and workers the most.
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Calgary Herald
Looking west from Alberta has never been more precarious
B.C. Premier David Eby's CleanBC plan could strip away $109.7 billion in economic activity from that province's economy by the end of this decade, according a report from ICBA Economics. Photo by Darryl Dyck / Postmedia Network It can be easy to think that nothing past the Rockies really matters to Albertans, but what's happening in British Columbia is deeply troubling. Government mismanagement of B.C.'s finances, economy and natural resources should be a warning to us all. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors B.C. Premier David Eby has introduced economic and energy policies that are catastrophic for workers, families and businesses across his province. The provincial deficit for 2025 is at least $11 billion — and more likely to pass $15 billion, once Eby updates the numbers this fall. Leading the parade of bad NDP ideas is Eby's CleanBC plan, which shows what happens when political ideology is placed ahead of common sense and economic reality. A recent ICBA Economics report delivered a shocking assessment, based on the B.C. government's own analysis: CleanBC will strip away $109.7 billion in economic activity from its economy by 2029 — more than 2.5 times the damage that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war and Prime Minister Mark Carney's retaliatory trade barriers could inflict. Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again Let that sink in: B.C.'s self-inflicted climate scheme is two-and-a-half times more economically destructive than one of the most feared threats to Canadian trade and prosperity in generations. That's not a future Alberta should aspire to emulate. CleanBC is forcing B.C. to decarbonize too much, too fast — without realistic transition plans for people, businesses or industries. It may sound virtuous from a political podium but, on the ground, it's driving up costs, deterring investment, slowing construction and making it nearly impossible to build needed housing, infrastructure and energy projects. Meanwhile, global emissions keep rising and B.C. grows poorer, not greener. Could Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi — whose municipal track record was defined by ballooning spending, tax hikes and a wariness of business voices trying to bring practical, on-the-ground insight to policy conversations — bring similar policies and thinking to Alberta? If handed the keys to Alberta, would he follow Eby's lead: adding red tape, building massive bureaucracies and punishing the very industries that fund our hospitals, schools and roads? If not, let's hear him say it: Say that Eby's policies are dangerous and destructive. Make no mistake, we support smart, balanced, common-sense climate policy. But CleanBC isn't that. It's more effective at cleaning out taxpayer coffers than it is at cleaning the air. Albertans should take that as a warning, not a blueprint. The ICBA report also exposed another inconvenient truth for Eby and his allies: the B.C. NDP's much-touted move to eliminate the consumer-facing carbon tax is a political stunt with almost no economic upside. The real economic pain comes from escalating industrial carbon taxes — the hidden costs, buried deep. Those are taxes that Nenshi would likely support, and they are the ones hurting job creators and workers the most.
CBC
3 days ago
- CBC
Albertans drinking way less booze than they used to, lead the country in cannabis sales
Social Sharing It's been well documented by now that Canadians are drinking less than they used to, but no other province has seen a greater reduction than Alberta. You know those giant bottles of vodka you can get at Costco? The 4.5-litre ones? That's how much less booze the average Albertan drank last year, compared to how much they drank in 2008. Put another way: 107 fewer beers, per person, per year. Back at its peak in 2008, Alberta led all provinces in drinking, with 9.7 litres of pure alcohol consumed per person aged 15 and over. It has since relinquished that title to Newfoundland and Labrador, which last year led the country at 8.3 litres per person. Alberta rang in at 7.6 litres per person last year, a decline of 1.9 litres from its peak consumption. That ties it with Saskatchewan for the largest decline from peak in the two decades' worth of data tracked by Statistics Canada. (You might be wondering: Why is age 15 used for the per-capita calculation, instead of 18, the legal drinking age? Statistics Canada has adopted this cutoff as it's the standard used internationally for per-capita alcohol sales.) Sky-high cannabis sales At the same time, cannabis sales in Alberta have been on the rise. They've grown in every year that Statistics Canada has tracked this data. Albertans led the country in legal cannabis consumption by a substantial margin last year, with an average of $248 spent per person of legal age to buy it. The next closest province was Saskatchewan, at $205. Quebec saw the least in cannabis sales, at just $96 per person. It might seem easy to connect the dots here and assume Albertans are drinking less because they're consuming more cannabis instead, but it's not quite so simple to draw a one-to-one connection between the two trends, says Michael Armstrong, a professor at Brock University's Goodman School of Business, whose research has focused on this topic. Looking at the big-picture numbers, he says there "was no obvious, sudden drop" in alcohol consumption once cannabis was legalized in Canada in 2018. "No large number of Canadians suddenly said, 'Hey, I'm going to start smoking joints instead of drinking beer,'" Armstrong said. He believes Alberta's sky-high sales of legal weed is more related to the sheer number of stores in this province. "Alberta was ahead of most other provinces on store openings and also therefore on sales," Armstrong said. "For a while in 2019-2020, it had more stores than all other provinces combined. It currently has the third-largest number of stores per capita, only slightly behind Manitoba and Saskatchewan; it has about 12 times the retail density of Quebec." Armstrong believes the decline in drinking is more complicated. Because alcohol is much more of an established industry, he says it's hard to pinpoint one dominant factor behind the decline. Rather, he says, there are "many individual factors" at play. Culture, health and non-alcoholic options Many of these factors are not unique to Alberta. Young adults, in particular, appear to be drinking less, in part due to the cost of alcohol and in part due to shifting norms in drinking culture. Then there's the recently revamped guidance from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, which set much lower thresholds for low-risk drinking than had previously been advised by Health Canada. There was a spike in alcohol consumption during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic but, ever since, drinking has generally been on the decline. This has coincided with the wider availability of non-alcoholic beers, wines and "mocktails." A recent report from NielsenIQ, a consumer intelligence firm, found annual sales of non-alcoholic beverages in Canada had surged to $199 million last year year, up from $137 million two years prior. "As consumers increasingly prioritize wellness and moderation in their daily routines, non-alcohol products have become an appealing choice for those seeking to incorporate it into their alcohol-consumption habits," the report reads. That's certainly been a factor for Nikki Guilcher, a Calgary resident who says the quality and diversity of non-alcoholic options has greatly improved. She says both she and her husband have been drinking less traditional beer and more non-alcoholic beer lately, and it's a trend among a group of women she hikes with, as well. "At the top of the mountain we'll have a drink and usually at least half of us have got a non-alcoholic beer," Guilcher said. It's a similar story for Calgarian Kent Vuong. "I'm turning 41 pretty soon and I don't know if it's just an age thing but ... I feel a lot more bloated and it gives me headaches, like after a single drink," he said. "And when I'm out socializing with people, I'll just trend toward having a non-alcoholic beer." Price and future consumers The decline in drinking in Alberta long predates the rise in non-alcoholic options, however. Apart from the pandemic bump in 2020, alcohol consumption has been generally trending downward since its peak in 2008. That's also the year Alberta introduced a mandatory minimum drink price at licensed establishments. The prices may seem quaint by today's standards, but the 2008 law set a floor of $1.75 for a five-ounce glass of wine, $2.75 for a regular-sized can of beer and $3.20 for a pint. Consumers have continued to pay more and more for booze ever since, which Armstrong noted is not the case for cannabis, which began being sold legally in late 2018. From December 2018 to May 2025, he said, alcohol prices in Alberta have grown by 14 per cent, while cannabis prices have actually declined by 38 per cent. Today, he said, "the price of an intoxicated evening" on cannabis is far lower than what it would cost to get a similar buzz from alcohol. And while he said there's no strong evidence to date that people are switching from alcohol to cannabis in large numbers, Armstrong wonders if that will start to change in the future, as children who grew up with both substances being legal enter into adulthood. "I think what we will see is not a big jump of current drinkers switching to cannabis, as much as future consumers choosing cannabis who otherwise would have chosen alcohol," he said.
