How old do you need to be to buy cannabis in Alberta

The legal age in Alberta

In Alberta, the legal age to buy, possess, and use non-medical cannabis is 18 years or older. If you are under 18, you cannot legally buy, carry, or consume non-medical cannabis. When you shop at a licensed store or place an order for delivery, bring valid government ID that shows your name, photo, and date of birth. We will check your ID before we complete a sale or hand you a delivery. This keeps everyone safe and compliant.

Legal age rules apply to both in-store shopping and online ordering. Whether you choose pickup or delivery, the person receiving the order must be 18+ and must present valid ID. For delivery, we also check that the same credit card used online matches the person receiving the order.

Buying in-store vs ordering online

In-store: You can ask a budtender for help, compare formats, and read labels before you buy. Bring government ID and be ready to show it at the counter. If the name on your card does not match your ID, we may ask to verify another payment method that matches.

Online for delivery: You place your order on the website, pay by card, and a driver brings it to your door. At the door, we verify age (18+) and confirm the card matches your ID. We do not leave packages with neighbours or building staff.

Online for pickup: You order on the site and pick up in store. Bring ID for age verification at the counter.

What is acceptable ID

Bring government-issued photo ID that shows your full name and date of birth. A driver’s licence or passport are common examples. If your ID is expired or hard to read, please bring a backup. We cannot accept paper copies or photos on your phone. If we cannot verify your age, we cannot sell or hand off your order.

Public possession basics

When you leave your home, the law sets limits on how much you can carry in public at one time. The federal rule allows an adult to carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the legal equivalent in other formats. Every legal package lists a “dried cannabis equivalence” number you can add up across your items to check your total. Keep your carry amount at or under 30 g dried equivalent when out in public.

Where you can use cannabis in Calgary

Rules about where you can use cannabis depend on local bylaws. In Calgary, recreational cannabis use is not allowed in public places. Consumption on private property is generally allowed, subject to building rules and any posted signs. Always check current city guidance before you open a package outside your home.

Why age checks matter

Age checks are not just store policy—they are part of the law. Licensed retailers must make sure they sell only to adults of legal age. This protects young people and keeps the legal market responsible. At delivery, we add one more layer by checking that the name on the card used online matches the ID at the door. If we cannot verify both, we cannot hand over the order.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy cannabis if I am 18 but my friend who is 17 is with me?

You can shop if you are 18 or older, but we cannot sell to or hand off an order to anyone under 18. Do not share cannabis with anyone under 18.

Do I need to show ID every time?

Yes. Expect an ID check at each purchase in store and at each delivery, even if you are a regular customer.

Can I use a photo of my ID on my phone?

No. Bring physical, government-issued ID. Paper copies or photos are not accepted.

Does the 30 g limit mean I can carry 30 g of edibles?

No. Edibles count toward your 30 g total using a “dried cannabis equivalence” number shown on each package. Add up the equivalence numbers across all your items and keep the sum at or below 30 g.

Can I fly with cannabis if I am 18?

On flights within Canada, adults can travel with up to 30 g dried equivalent, as long as the airline allows it and you follow federal rules. Never take cannabis on international flights.

Do rules change for medical cannabis?

People authorized for medical cannabis have a different possession framework. If that applies to you, follow your authorization and federal guidance for medical limits.

Key points to remember

  • The legal age in Alberta is 18+.
  • Bring government-issued photo ID for every purchase and delivery.
  • For delivery, the same credit card used online must be shown at the door.
  • In public, keep carry amounts at or below 30 g dried equivalent across all items.
  • In Calgary, recreational cannabis use is not allowed in public places.

Need help?

If you have questions about age, ID, or delivery checks, call the store. We will explain the steps and help you place a compliant order.