Alberta introduces bill to exit online cannabis sales, leave it to retailers

FILE - In this Aug. 15, 2019 file photo, marijuana grows at an indoor cannabis farm in Gardena, Calif. In what could be a temporary victory for California's legal cannabis industry, a state judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to overturn a state rule allowing home deliveries statewide, even into communities that banned commercial marijuana sales. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

Alberta is getting out of the online cannabis business and will instead let licensed retailers sell it via the internet.

In addition, cannabis retailers would be allowed to sell some branded clothing and other accessories

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The province says online cannabis accounts for only about $200,000 a year in annual sales.

Finance Minister Travis Toews says the changes would also help boost the profile of legitimate cannabis dealers and drive out black market sellers.

The proposed changes are part of an omnibus bill introduced in the house by Tanya Fir, the associate minister for red tape reduction.

Among the other changes, the bill would allow municipalities to establish entertainment districts through bylaws to create designated public areas where adults could drink alcohol.