It’s October 17th, now what?

Cannabis business owners in Canada will be raking in the green today. It is now legal to purchase recreational weed across the country. You have to be 18-years-old or older to purchase or smoke it in Alberta. Edibles are not legal yet but could be by late 2019, according to the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Commission.
 
Where can I buy it?
When you get to a store, none of which have opened in Grande Prairie yet, you will only be able to purchase and carry 30 grams of weed at a time.
 
Each city and province will have a different set of rules. An 18-year-old Albertan driving over to the British Columbia Peace Region could get themselves in trouble if they are caught with weed because the minimum age for weed consumption is 19-years-old in that province. Driving to the other side of the border to buy also won’t be an option today, unless you’re into a long drive, as the first and only cannabis retail store in B.C. opens in Kamloops.

Where can I smoke?
Once you get your legal grass, there are places you can smoke it but the list of places you can’t smoke is longer.
 
For the city, the same places that cigarettes are banned so is smoking weed. You also can’t smoke it downtown Grande Prairie between 100 Avenue to 101 Avenue and 102 Street to 98 Street. Smokers must be 30 metres away from parks, recreational facilities, parades, the front entrance to movie theatres and anywhere children are playing. You also can’t smoke at outdoor special events unless there is a cannabis consumption area set aside. Any other place is fair game for smoking unless there is a sign posted saying otherwise. If you are caught smoking in prohibited places, RCMP, Bylaw Officers or Peace Officers can issue tickets of up to $250.

For the county, you can smoke in some public places but you must keep your distance from skateboard parks, sports fields, playgrounds, outdoor pools, and motorhomes. People are also not allowed to smoke on school, hospital or daycare grounds. The county says additions and changes may come down the road.

Can I grow it at home?
If you want to grow your own plants, you can have up to four in one household, but you will need a permit in the city which is free of charge. Landlords and condominium corporations can also take that option away as well as prohibit cannabis altogether on rental property. Renters should check their rental agreements for the details and landlords should look at their agreements to make sure they reflect their wants for their property.
 
After smoking, when can I drive?
As for driving under the influence, people who have smoked are urged not to drive.
 
RCMP Cpl. Chris Warren says the same rules apply to drug-impaired driving as they have for decades. If you are caught driving under the influence, you can face sanctions, charges and fines. He encourages people to get a safe ride home if they have been smoking, enjoy responsibly and don’t smoke and drive.