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Public consumption of cannabis

Where can you use cannabis?

According to the Cannabis Consumption Bylaw, you can use cannabis on your private property. However, in Calgary's public places, using recreational cannabis in any form (smoking, vaping, or edibles) is not allowed.

An exemption to this bylaw exists for medical cannabis. Medical cannabis consumers must still obey the City’s Smoking and Vaping Bylaw and Alberta’s Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act.

The Cannabis Consumption Bylaw is enforceable by the Calgary Police Service, City of Calgary community peace officers and Calgary Transit peace officers.

Violating the bylaw can mean a $100 ticket.

The City of Calgary undertook extensive research and engagement to hear how Calgarians wanted public consumption of cannabis regulated. Our rules reflect the concerns and opinions Calgarians expressed to us.

Prohibiting public consumption of recreational cannabis is also based on best practice. Public consumption is prohibited in American states where cannabis is legal, including Colorado, California, and Nevada. Public consumption is also not allowed in about half of the Canadian provinces and territories.

It’s important to know that public consumption rules for cannabis vary across provinces and municipalities. If you are travelling, check local rules.

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Cannabis use on private property

According to both Provincial and Municipal laws, individuals have the right to smoke, vape, or consume cannabis on their private property. The City of Calgary does not impose regulations on cannabis use in such spaces.

When it comes to private property, The City treats cannabis smoke similarly to tobacco smoke. While it might be bothersome to some, it is within the bounds of the law. Cannabis often produces a strong odor that some may find unpleasant. If you choose to consume at home, it's recommended to smoke indoors or in areas away from neighbors' doors or windows to be considerate.

As long as the amount of smoke remains within reasonable levels expected from daily activities, it is considered a normal part of urban living.

Using cannabis on rental property and in condos

Check building rules with your landlord or condo board.  ​​

Landlord/tenant agreements or condo bylaws may forbid cannabis consumption.

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Designated cannabis consumption areas

Festivals and events in Calgary may apply to provide a designated cannabis consumption area, similar to a beer garden. 

Councillors can start a process to designate a public cannabis consumption area in their Ward. The process includes public engagement in which community residents can give feedback on a proposed designated area. Locations are approved or rejected through a Public Hearing of Council, at which citizens may speak. Calgarians may reach out to their Councillor to express interest in having a designated area in their community.

At this time, Council has not yet approved any designated cannabis consumption areas. If Council approves them in the future, locations will be available on this page.

Cannabis cafés

Currently, there are no licensed premises — such as smoking lounges, cannabis cafes or specialized bars — in which cannabis can be consumed. This may change in the future as it is addressed by the federal and provincial governments.

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Filing a complaint

If you know of a bylaw infraction and would like to report it, please call 311 (from within Calgary) or 403-268-CITY (2489) (from outside Calgary) or use the 311 app or:

Submit a complaint online

To help us respond faster, please be ready with the following information:

  • Your name and address
  • A primary and alternate phone number
  • The address and exact location of the property for which you wish to register a complaint
  • A brief and concise description of the complaint

This information will remain confidential. No anonymous complaints will be accepted - you must identify yourself with the 311 service representative.

Please include any related photos when reporting a complaint with the 311 app. This will assist the investigating officer.

Learn more about filing a bylaw complaint and the process.

If you receive a graphic image of a fetus that is not enclosed in an envelope (with both a warning label and sender’s address), please call 311 (from within Calgary) or 403-268-CITY (2489) (from outside Calgary) or use the 311 app or:

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