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The Alberta government will prohibit cannabis stores from using names that sound medical or attract children under new legislation introduced Monday.

“This (bill) is a priority for our government, and Albertans have told us loud and clear it’s a priority for them, too,” Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley told a news conference.

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The estimated 250 private retail pot shops expected to open in Alberta after the federal government legalizes recreational cannabis later this year can’t use names with “medi,” “pharma” or other words that imply therapeutic benefits.

They also won’t be allowed to entice underage customers through cartoon characters or names aimed at kids.

“We don’t want (companies) going out there and making it look very palatable to children, and we don’t want them to suggest the recreational stream has medical benefits,” Ganley said.

“We still allow private industry in this sector. It will be allowed to do certain things with advertising, just not all things.”