How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta: 2025 Guide

Steven Guo
2025-08-26

In 2025, Alberta’s cannabis market thrives with $1.1B in sales, a leader since recreational legalization in 2018, featuring an open licensing model managed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC)—contrasting Ontario’s cap or Texas’ CUP limits. Alberta’s hands-off approach and e-commerce freedom set it apart from stricter provinces.

Introduction to Opening a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Opening a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta leverages a competitive, open market with over 750 stores—unlike New York’s 150-cap or Washington’s moratorium. AGLC’s e-commerce and delivery since 2022 add flexibility, differing from Ontario’s controlled rollout. For basics, link to our core guide on how to open a cannabis dispensary.

Planning to Open a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Cannabis Dispensary Planning in Alberta involves assessing saturation—Calgary’s 200+ stores vs. rural gaps—unlike Arizona’s 130-cap. Plans need $400K and municipal nods.

AB-specific steps:

Market check: AGLC data for gaps.
Site: No school proximity rules, local zoning.
Revenue: AB stores average $1M.

Our AB planning article covers saturation strategies.

Licensing Requirements for a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Cannabis Dispensary Licensing in Alberta requires AGLC retail approval—unlike Delaware’s lotteries. Fee: $400 app + $700 annual; 2-4 month review. 19+, clean record.

Process:

Municipal permit (e.g., Calgary).
AGLC app: Backgrounds, plans.
Annual renewal: $700.

For how to get a dispensary license in Alberta, see our licensing post.

Costs of Opening a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Opening a Cannabis Dispensary Costs in Alberta range $150K-$1M, lower than California’s $300K due to open market. App $400 + $700 annual.

AB breakdown:

Licensing/Legal: $10K-$50K.
Build-Out: $100K-$300K.
Inventory: $50K-$200K.
Security: $30K.
Ongoing: No excise, sales tax only.

Our AB costs guide includes 2025 trends.

Location and Zoning for a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Cannabis Dispensary Location Selection in Alberta has no school buffers—unlike Arizona’s 500 ft. Local rules vary, e.g., Edmonton caps.

AB factors:

Equity zones: Rural priority.
Leases: $2K-$6K/month.
Approvals: City-specific.

Ouyee previews AB zones—see our zoning article.

Design and Layout for a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Cannabis Dispensary Layout Design in Alberta allows flexible displays—unlike Texas’ patient-only. Ouyee’s cabinets fit AB’s e-commerce setups.

AB tips:

Zones: Delivery prep.
Flow: Urban/rural blend.
Compliance: Odor optional.

Our AB design post features e-commerce layouts.

Compliance and Operations in a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Cannabis Dispensary Compliance in Alberta uses AGLC tracking, limits 30g flower—lighter than Arizona. 2025 adds e-delivery audits.

AB ops:

Audits: AGLC random.
Staff: 19+ trained.
Records: 2-year retention.

Checklists for how do you open a dispensary in Alberta in our ops guide.

Security Planning for a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Cannabis Dispensary Security Planning in Alberta requires video, alarms—urban focus exceeds Texas. Ouyee integrates AB locks.

AB elements:

Systems: AGLC-monitored.
Training: Theft focus.
Coverage: $1M liability.

Our AB security post covers e-delivery risks.

Inventory Management in a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Cannabis Dispensary Inventory Management in Alberta sources AB-approved, with AGLC; focuses on variety. Daily audits.

AB steps:

Verify AB manifests.
Storage: E-commerce ready.
Forecast: Seasonal demand.

Ouyee organizes AB stock—see our inventory tips.

Staffing and Training for a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Cannabis Dispensary Staffing in Alberta needs AGLC badges, training; equity hires encouraged. Salaries: Budtenders $40K.

AB roles:

Budtenders: E-commerce trained.
Security: Urban guards.
Managers: Delivery leads.

Our training guide meets AB standards.

Marketing and Launch for a Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Cannabis Dispensary Marketing in Alberta allows e-ads—unlike New York’s school bans. Launch: Online events.

AB strategies:

Digital: “AB cannabis delivery.”
Partnerships: Local tech.
Budget: $20K.

Our AB playbook has launch ideas.

Conclusion: Succeed with Your Cannabis Dispensary in Alberta

Alberta’s open, e-commerce-friendly market demands $150K+—lower than California but flexible vs. Ontario. Plan with Ouyee Display, your expert in 3D retail design and custom cabinets with 20+ years and 5 factories, for AB-optimized dispensaries. Contact for free consultations.