Calgary now allows cannabis sales at concerts and festivals

Calgary has decided to authorize the Cannabis sales at events (concerts or festivals) open to all ages. The City of Calgary explained that this change is intended to align municipal and provincial regulations.

«Calgary is committed to implementing clear regulations that promote public safety,» said Melanie Bishoff, head of the business experience for the City of Calgary, said in a statement. «Aligning with provincial regulations reduces confusion and provides businesses with a more reliable framework in which to operate.»

Although sales are now permitted at events where minors may be present, the regulations remain strict. The cannabis retailers must request a temporary extension of their license from the AGLC before participating in such events. In addition, all Sales and Consumption must take place in areas that are:

• Clearly marked
• Physically separated from the common areas
• For adults only

This ensures that, even if cannabis is available, minors are not exposed to the sale and use of these products. Event organizers and retailers are required to fully comply with the provincial safety standards, following the practices already in place for other controlled substances.

This decision, announced on September 16, 2025, follows the regulatory changes introduced

This new authorization is based on a previous one City Council decision made in May 2025, which allowed the sale of cannabis at events for adults only. Previously, the use of cannabis was already permitted at such gatherings, but selling the products required an additional legal step. And earlier this summer, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) has begun allowing the sale of cannabis at events open to people of all ages.

Social Cannabis Use

The social use of cannabis, that is, the ability to legally consume cannabis in public or semi-public places, appears to be the next major development in Canada.

Among the models being considered are designated consumption areas in establishments that do not specialize in cannabis, private social clubs, and integration into cultural events such as concerts and festivals.

The case of Calgary illustrates this trend. Allowing the sale of cannabis at events open to all ages amounts to acknowledging that, just like the sale of alcohol is already common practice and strictly regulated at such gatherings, Cannabis can be regulated according to certain rules similar measures without compromising public safety.