The owner of New Amsterdam Cafe on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton is calling on the city to update its laws to allow on-site cannabis sales. The cafe, which currently operates as a cannabis-friendly lounge, hopes to eventually sell cannabis products directly to customers, aligning with the owner's original vision.
Current Legal Limitations
Under existing regulations, businesses in Edmonton cannot sell cannabis for on-site consumption. The cafe's owner, who spoke with CTV News Edmonton on May 20, 2026, expressed frustration that the law has not kept pace with the growing acceptance of cannabis use. The cafe currently allows customers to bring their own cannabis, but the owner believes that selling it on-site would create a more complete experience.
Community and Economic Impact
The owner argues that allowing on-site sales could boost local tourism and provide a safe, regulated environment for cannabis consumption. Similar models have been successful in other jurisdictions, such as Amsterdam, where cannabis cafes are a major attraction. The New Amsterdam Cafe, named after the Dutch capital, aims to replicate that success in Edmonton.
However, the city has not yet indicated any plans to amend its bylaws. The owner remains hopeful that public support and changing attitudes toward cannabis will eventually lead to legal changes. In the meantime, the cafe continues to operate as a social space for cannabis enthusiasts.
This story is part of ongoing coverage of cannabis legislation and business innovation in Alberta.
