Edmonton as a cannabis tourist destination? City could be Canadian leader, group suggests
CBC
Cannabis cafés, lounges and restaurants serving cannabis-infused dishes and desserts could become commonplace in Edmonton if advocates succeed in convincing governments to allow it.
Nathan Mison, president of Diplomat Consulting, a communications and strategy group, believes Edmonton has the potential to become a Canadian flagship destination for cannabis tourism.
Edmonton's young population, innovative business sector and vibrant festival, arts and culture scenes, will help create a new opportunity for the hospitality industry, the group suggests.
"What we're talking about is ... infused made-to-order drinks from a 'mocktailer' who can actually infuse cannabis like they do with alcohol or a chef who can actually use cannabis as a food ingredient to create a non-inebriated experience."
Mison noted that several U.S. states, like California and New York, allow cannabis cafes and that Canada could follow suit with Edmonton leading the way.
"We would love it if actually we could focus the world's eyes on Edmonton as being a worldwide leader on municipal zoning and the opportunity for cannabis consumption."
Since Canada legalized cannabis in October 2018, products have been sold in retail stores. Provinces and territories regulate the sale, possession and consumption of cannabis.
Under the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act and Regulation, cannabis cafés and lounges are currently not allowed, an AGLC spokesperson confirmed to CBC News.
The provincial legislation would have to be amended to allow people to consume cannabis at eating and drinking establishments.
In anticipation of that happening, Mison suggests the city could start looking at its zoning bylaw to allow establishments to serve edibles.
"What we're asking the city to do is consider that opportunity to create zoning and a business licence class," he said. "We would love to see it in the same vein as restaurants."
Mison was one of a dozen participants at a roundtable last October, set up to explore potential opportunities for the cannabis industry in Edmonton.
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Association, NAIT, Explore Edmonton and a number of cannabis retailers attended the roundtable, hosted by Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz.
Dan St. Pierre, Explore Edmonton's director of strategic communications and partnerships, said there's still a lot of work to be done on policy and regulatory frameworks,