The Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce gave Okotoks residents the opportunity to learn about cannabis and its legalization.

On Tuesday, the Chamber hosted the 420 Clinic and Kelly Stienwand, Municipal Enforcement Manager with the Town of Okotoks, to provide education and answer questions.

Myths were dispelled during the session and audience members learned about the different types of cannabis, common uses, and statistics.

Dr. Ife Abiola, Medical Director of the 420 Clinic, says the most common cannabis prescriptions he sees are for MS patients, people with inflammatory bowel diseases, arthritis, chronic pain, and those going through cancer treatment.

He says sessions like the Chamber's workshop are key to seeing success with cannabis legalization in communities.

"Communities will be inundated with applications for retail spaces, cannabis will become a daily thing, and because of that this is going to effect everybody. In a small town, in a large town, no body will be spared and because of that all of us need to get educated and all of us need to catch up. Events like this are fun and it's cool to hear everyone's questions but this is necessary."

According to the 420 Clinic, 39 per cent of adult age Canadians have admitted they plan to purchase cannabis following its legalization.

Abiola says he thinks the province has done a great job with the legalization framework.

"I think that they were even handed with the age of use, with certain restrictions, as well with the number of retail spaces. They don't want to be completely swamped with these but they do want the average Albertan to benefit so Alberta made this a very Albertan story by making something that works for us and not trying to fit into another province's framework."

The Town of Okotoks is planning on holding pubic consultations in the future to get feedback from residents on local cannabis legislation.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com