Alberta’s cannabis regulator has launched a campaign to encourage cannabis consumers to not use the illicit market.

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) launched their Forget Bad Bud campaign in October, drawing attention to the differences between the legal and illegal cannabis market in Canada. 

Similar to a recent campaign launched in Ontario, AGLC’s Forget Bad Bud campaign focuses on issues like quality control, strain selection, and education. It also seeks to educate consumers on how to identify an illegal cannabis store, especially the prolific number of illegal cannabis websites that ship cannabis products across the country. 

From the website:

“When you buy illegal, you can’t be sure what you’re getting. A website could look like the real deal but open you up to identity theft and fraud. The same old bud you’ve bought for years may look legit, but instead come loaded with ingredients that cause a dangerous reaction, and potency levels that could result in unwanted effects.”

The campaign includes several short videos with people “breaking up” with their illicit cannabis dealers, as well as an online quiz to test people’s knowledge about cannabis and Canada’s legal cannabis program.

Enforcement against illicit online cannabis retailers has been a challenge for law enforcement in Canada. Such websites are easily discovered in online searches.

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