Sylvan Lake

On Monday night, Sylvan Lake Town Council passed a new Cannabis Consumption Bylaw. This new bylaw restricts the consumption of non-medical cannabis within Sylvan Lake. 

This past spring/summer, the Town of Sylvan Lake went to work on developing rules and regulations associated with the legalization of cannabis in Canada. We consider our cannabis consumption rules and regulations to be the right rules and regulations for our community; thank you to everyone who participated in the engagement process. 

Here is what you need to know:

• Until legalized by the federal government (October 17th), non-medical cannabis consumption is illegal;
• The minimum age for purchase and possession of cannabis, is 18 years – anyone under 18 caught with possession under 5 grams will face sanctions similar to possession of alcohol or tobacco; whereas youth found with over 5 grams are subject to federal criminal charges;
• The consumption of non-medical cannabis of any form (smoke, pipe, etc.), within the Town of Sylvan lake is not permitted in any public place;
• A “public place,” is considered “any property, whether publicly or privately owned, to which members of the public have access as of right, or by expressed, or implied invitation, whether on payment of fee or not”;
  • For example, a shopping centre parking lot is considered a “public place,” and therefore, non-medical cannabis consumption is not permitted;
• Cannabis consumption of any form (smoke, pipe, etc.), for recreational use will be permitted on private property only, and only with consent/permission from the owner of that property;
• Medical cannabis users are asked to refer to our new Smoke Free Bylaw rules, and will need to present medical documentation;
• Residents with questions about impending cannabis legalization in Canada, should visit www.canada.ca/cannabis; residents with questions about impending cannabis legalization as it pertains to the Province of Alberta, should visit www.alberta.ca/cannabis