The Alberta government has tabled legislation for their plan to handle cannabis sales once it is legalized in 2018.
Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley tabled the legislation Thursday.
The legislation, which passed its first out of three readings, includes a plan to control the online sale of marijuana, but will leave over-the-counter sales to private stores.
The province said there will be a technology to ensure people who buy cannabis online are of legal age.
“It’s just a matter of determining how to verify their age and operate it in the most cost-effective manner,” Ganley said.
The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission will wholesale and oversee licensing, the province said. Details on licensing will be available early 2018.
Retailers who want to sell marijuana will undergo background checks, and staff must be 18 years or older and receive training.
Cannabis will not be sold where there is alcohol, tobacco or pharmaceuticals, and the province will set the hours of operation for brick and mortar stores.
With files from Angela Jung and The Canadian Press
