Cannabis Advertising Regulations: A Step Closer To Clarity

On June 12, 2023, a panel of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (the "AGLC") released its decision in the matter of Canna Cabana Inc. ¹ (the "Decision"). The Decision provides valuable (and previously lacking) guidance regarding the permissible content for cannabis advertisements and promotions in Alberta. Further, given similarities among advertising rules across the country, the Decision is likely to be of assistance to cannabis advertisers in other jurisdictions as well.

The AGLC, as Alberta's cannabis regulator, has published policies for cannabis advertising and promotions in the Retail Cannabis Store Handbook (the "Retail Handbook") and the Cannabis Representative Handbook. Perhaps out of a desire to maintain flexibility, the AGLC's advertising policies are drafted generally, with little in the way of guidelines or examples. Failure to comply with the AGLC's advertising policies can result in license suspensions and significant fines.