New York's Office of Cannabis Management is proposing major changes to how cannabis businesses can advertise, including an outright ban on billboards and tighter limits on where ads can appear.
Under the draft rules, cannabis companies would be prohibited from placing ads near schools, parks, transit stations, libraries and other places where people under 21 are likely to be present. Advertisements showing cannabis consumption, promoting product potency or making health claims would also be banned. Digital ads would need built-in age controls to prevent underage audiences from accessing cannabis-related content.
The proposal also clarifies what types of promotions are allowed. Discounts, loyalty programs and bundles could continue only if products aren't sold below market value and if taxes are calculated on the original price. Advertising those deals would be limited to mailers, websites or other age-restricted platforms.
Beyond advertising, the Office of Cannabis Management is recommending sweeping updates to product packaging and labeling rules. Retail packages would need to be child-resistant, tamper-evident and designed to fully enclose the product. They could not use imagery, colors or styles that appeal to minors, including cartoons, mascots or references to candy.
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