Please choose between the following three options:
Skip to main menu Skip to site search Continue to current page menu and contentMain page content begins here
Although legalization is a federal decision, provinces and municipalities are responsible for setting rules with respect to cannabis consumption. This page summarizes the rules set by both the Province of Alberta and by Edmonton City Council for cannabis smoking and vaping within the City of Edmonton.
The City of Edmonton's Public Places Bylaw regulates where smoking is permitted in public places: this includes tobacco, vaping and cannabis. Whether you are smoking cannabis for recreational or for medical purposes, everyone is expected to respect the same rules for where you can smoke. Private property owners may establish additional smoking restrictions on their own properties.
In your own home and yard. It’s important to know, however, that property owners, landlords, condo boards and rental companies can further restrict the smoking and growing of cannabis on their properties and common areas.
In some parks and trails in Edmonton, except as outlined below.
When the park contains:
On or within any:
Within:
Within an area designated as a no smoking area for cannabis.
Inside any building, including bus shelters, LRT stations and cannabis retail stores.
On some sidewalks in Edmonton, except as outlined below.
Within 10 metres from a bus stop or the doorway, window or air intake of a building or patio.
On a patio.
Just like alcohol, you cannot consume in a vehicle. This includes public vehicles like buses, taxis and LRT.
In a vehicle being used as a temporary residence, such as a parked RV.
If transporting cannabis in a vehicle, cannabis will need to be contained in closed packaging and out of reach of the driver and any other occupants of the vehicle.
At some festivals and public events, but only in designated areas. Signage will indicate their location. Please check each event or festival's website for more information about their designated smoking areas.
Rules and requirements for opening a cannabis retail operation in Edmonton
Good to know: We have made every effort to make this information as thorough as possible, but it shouldn’t be considered exhaustive. Anyone looking to smoke in public should make sure they are following rules from the Canadian municipality and province they are located within.
Think about secondhand smoke and odour.
Some people feel uncomfortable with odours, smell and second-hand smoke related to cannabis.
Try to smoke away from your neighbour's open windows and doors to help minimize discomfort or talk with your neighbours to establish etiquette that works for all.
If you plan to consume, consider options which reduce odour and smoke from cannabis, such as consumption through a vaporizer.
Cannabis and cannabis products impair concentration, coordination and judgment. It is against the law to operate a motor vehicle with more than the legal limit of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in your system. Find out the specific limits and corresponding penalties.
Just like alcohol, cannabis will need to be secured in closed packaging and out of reach of anyone in the vehicle. If you are pulled over for any reason and police see cannabis stored improperly in your vehicle, you could be arrested and searched, and you could face a fine.
Additional information is available at edmontonpolice.ca
Improper disposal of smoking material is one of the top causes of fires in Alberta, causing devastating property damage and poses a significant threat to public safety.
Never dispose of or extinguish a cigarette butt or cannabis joint in a planter.
Always use an ashtray and fully extinguish any material.
Extracting oil from cannabis, which is commonly done through a solvent extraction process, is a violation of section 12 of the Cannabis Act and remains illegal. Cannabis oil extraction requires the use of solvents, usually butane or other highly explosive chemicals. The process can cause serious injuries, fatalities and property loss. Cannabis oils will be available for purchase from licensed retailers.
Store it right: Locked up, out of reach and out of sight. For information on health and safety around cannabis visit canada.ca/cannabis.
Don’t litter: cannabis can cause severe illness in children and pets.
Learn more about Edmonton’s smoking rules.
The vaping of cannabis or tobacco using an e-cigarette in public places is still subject to the rules under the Public Places Bylaw.
If you own your own private home, then you can probably smoke on your balcony. The Public Places Bylaw does not regulate the smoking of cannabis or tobacco in private homes.
If you live in an apartment or condominium, please ensure that you are following the smoking rules set by your landlord or condo board (if applicable).
In all cases, we encourage you to be a good neighbour and to respect others who may be sensitive to secondhand smoke and odour.
Familiarize yourself with the park amenities. Smoking and vaping is not permitted when the park contains a playground, sports field, skate park or bicycle park, an outdoor theatre, an outdoor pool or water spray park, a seasonal skating rink, or an off-leash area. If these amenities are not present, smoking is permitted.
The public places bylaw requires that you be at least 10 metres from a bus stop, terminal or LRT platform. A typical bus is approximately 13 to 14 metres long.
No. Just like alcohol, there is no consumption allowed in a vehicle by the driver or any passengers.
If you have issues with your neighbour smoking in front of your window, talk to them about an etiquette that works for both of you.
Enforcement officers have the ability to issue verbal and written warnings or violation tickets at their discretion. An officer may issue a ticket. The fine is $ 250.
The City of Edmonton's Public Places Bylaw regulates where cannabis smoking is permitted in public places. Whether you are smoking cannabis for recreational or for medical purposes, everyone is expected to respect the same rules for where you can or cannot smoke.
The doorways and windows do not have to be opened for this rule to apply.
Smoking and using e-cigarettes (vaping) is not permitted within 10 metres of a bus stop, bus shelter, or the doorway, window and air intake of a building or patio. This applies to both cannabis and tobacco.
The City is identifying areas where smoking is permitted in dense commercial areas. Ashtrays will be moved to locations where smoking and vaping is permitted. This will take time so the City will begin with Whyte Avenue and Downtown locations.
The Public Places Bylaw does not address the consumption of edibles in public. Home prepared edibles for personal use are permitted for those over 18 years old.
If an individual chooses to consume an edible in public, it is that individual's obligation to ensure they are consuming responsibly and are abiding by the federal government's possession limits for cannabis.
Policies for the creation of designated smoking areas are still being developed. The City is working towards identifying spots in high-traffic areas for citizens to be able to smoke that follows the 10 metre bylaw criteria. These will be identified and signs placed to help inform citizens.
The definition of "smoking" under the Public Places Bylaw includes both smoking and the use of electronic-cigarettes (vaping).
If you have a concern about someone smoking in a public place or cigarette litter:
After you call 311, the City takes these steps to help with your issue:
Request posters or info cards by contacting 311.
Temporary signs will be used to indicate where smoking and vaping is not permitted in high traffic areas.
Areas where smoking is permitted on Jasper Avenue from 107 Street to 111 Street.
Areas where smoking is permitted on 82 (Whyte) Avenue from 109 Street to 99 Street.
| Online | Contact 311 Online |
|---|
If you are calling from outside of Edmonton: 780-442-5311
| Phone | 311 |
|---|---|
| TTY | 711 |
