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CALGARY — Alberta is proposing to make 18 the minimum age to use cannabis when new laws liberalizing marijuana kick in next summer.

The province hasn’t decided yet on whether to sell cannabis through government-run stores or through private operators.

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Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley says Alberta residents will have just over three weeks to give feedback on the proposal and legislation will be introduced in the months ahead.

She says a minimum age of 18 lines up with the age restriction on alcohol use and tobacco purchases.

“We recognize there are health concerns around young people using cannabis,” Ganley said Wednesday. “But we also know that young people, those between the ages of 18 and 25, are the largest age category of users in Alberta.

“Setting the minimum age at 18 will encourage younger people to access cannabis legally instead of getting it through a drug dealer.”

The government would directly manage the wholesale distribution of cannabis through the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission. Cannabis wouldn’t be sold in any store that handles liquor, tobacco or pharmaceutical drugs.