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The Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) is expanding cannabis access at public events, allowing sales at most concerts and festivals, even those where minors are present, provided sales and consumption occur in designated 18+ zones. This policy change allows licensed Alberta retailers to apply for temporary license extensions to sell cannabis at these events, a shift from previous restrictions to adults-only events. This move is seen as a significant step towards normalizing cannabis in Alberta, with retailers like Plantlife Cannabis and event organizers like Rockin’ Thunder and Country Thunder embracing the change, emphasizing responsible and compliant integration into major live events.

AGLC Expands Cannabis Access at Public Events

Jul 17, 2025

Mg Magazine Newswire

MG Magazine



*EDMONTON, AB –* 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.

The change opens the door for a more inclusive, regulated cannabis presence
at Alberta’s top music and cultural festivals.

“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.”

“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.
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.

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