The Alberta government said Friday it is on track to release draft framework this fall on how the province will manage the legalization of marijuana.
The federal government plans to make marijuana legal across Canada by July 2018. Earlier this year, the Liberal government unveiled its proposed legal-pot regime, which – once passed – would establish a “strict legal framework” for the production, sale, distribution and possession of pot.
READ MORE: Here’s what you need to know about Canada’s proposed pot legalization law
Provinces, territories and municipalities would be able to tailor rules for their own jurisdictions. As such, the Alberta NDP said Friday is has just completed “an extensive two-month engagement process with the public and representatives from affected sectors.”
READ MORE: Poll suggests 6 in 10 Canadians support pot legalization, half support 21 as minimum age to buy
An online survey, which was part of the engagement process, gathered input from more than 45,000 Albertans. The survey was one of the most successful in the province’s history, according to a spokesperson with Alberta Justice.
The government also met with more than 100 stakeholders and sector groups, which included Indigenous groups, private industry, municipalities, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, health care providers, law enforcement, and members of the transportation and labour sectors.
READ MORE: Alberta cities, province respond to federal legislation on legalizing marijuana
The feedback will be used to build the “Alberta Cannabis Framework,” which will outline key points like the legal age to buy and consume cannabis. The government said the framework will be released this fall, along with another round of public consultation.
On Friday, the Ontario government revealed its framework, which sets the minimum age to buy and possess recreational marijuana at 19.
Watch below: Ongoing Global News coverage of the legalization of cannabis in Canada.