Cannabis Advertising Laws by State: A-M (2026 Update)

Did you know that most state legislatures meet annually (except Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, and Texas) and hold sessions anywhere from 30 to more than 150 days? This makes for many opportunities to change the state laws on cannabis advertising. Keep reading to see how things have changed or stayed the same since we first published cannabis advertising laws in 2024!

Alabama

• No advertising within 500 perimeter feet of a prohibited facility or any minor-oriented business or organization.
• No billboards, radio or television broadcasts, including broadcast, cable, on-demand, satellite, cinema, social media or other internet-based platforms.
• No portable signs.
• No advertising on any vehicles or public transit shelters or on or in a publicly owned or operated property.
• No designs, references to or images of people or characters appealing to youth.
• No apparel or other merchandise.
• No health claims, mention of edibles or beverages.
• No false or misleading statements, non-registered names, depiction of plants, slang terms, disparagement of a competitor’s products, obscene, indecent or profane statements or depictions.
• No external signage larger than sixteen inches in height by eighteen inches in width, or illuminated sign advertising a product or strain.
• No advertisement of brand names or graphics on the exterior of any building or vehicle.
• No indication of approval or endorsement by anyone associated with the State of Alabama.
• All names, logos, advertisements, and marketing campaigns must be submitted to the Medical Cannabis Commission.
• Medical cannabis products or paraphernalia must not be visible from the exterior of the facility.

Alaska

• No advertising within 1,000 perimeter feet of child-centered facilities, publicly owned or operated properties, or substance abuse treatment facilities.

• No advertising on or in a publicly owned or operated property.
• No advertising or promotions on business cards or merchandise.
• Advertisements must include the business name and license number.
• No false or misleading statements or illustrations, no promotion of excessive consumption, no health claims or depiction of minor consumption.
• No designs, references to or images of people or characters appealing to youth.
• Specifically worded warnings must appear in an advertisement or on any product, with visual contrast for print advertisements and intelligible audio for audio advertisements. Ads that only contain business information, with no cannabis product details or images outside of the logo, are exempt from warning statements.

• No advertising toward location-based devices, unless by app for adults only, with a permanent and easy opt-out feature.
• Event advertising is only allowed wherein the event’s participants and audience under age 21 is no more than 30%, and with board approval.
• No games or competitions related to consumption.
• No promotional materials or activities which appeal to children.
• Signage must comply with local government laws on sign size, number, and placement. In areas without local government, signs must not violate specific Alaska Statutes. Signs that meet these requirements are not considered advertising.
• Must not depict individuals under 21 consuming cannabis.
• Must include warnings about intoxication, impairment, health risks, adult use only, and advisories for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Print ads need visual contrast; audio ads require intelligible audio.
• Location-based marketing is prohibited unless it’s through a mobile app with an opt-out feature, installed by a device owner who is 21 or older.

Arizona

• All advertising to contain a warning not to use if under 21 and to keep away from children.
• Billboards within 1,000 feet of childcare centers, schools and other specified areas are prohibited. Other billboard advertisements cannot show strain names, potency, THC levels or images of consumption.
• Only a licensed cannabis establishment or nonprofit medical cannabis dispensary may authorize advertising.
• Ads must clearly and accurately identify the responsible cannabis establishment or dispensary by name and license or registration number.
• Any direct communication or dialogue-based advertising must verify recipients are 21 or older. Age verification methods may include user confirmation, birth date disclosure, or other registration methods.
• Only licensed establishments or dual licensees are allowed to facilitate the delivery of cannabis or cannabis products, solicit or accept orders for cannabis or cannabis products, and operate a listing service related to the sale or delivery of cannabis products.

Arkansas

• Cultivation facilities and processors shall not advertise publicly. However, allowed to market products directly to dispensaries and services directly to licensed facilities, solely targeting those businesses without public access. Banned use of medical or pharmacy-associated symbols in advertising, including crosses and caduceus.

• Dispensary advertising cannot have misleading statements, appeal to minors via designs, references to or images of people or characters appealing to youth, encourage transportation across state lines or display consumption.
• No promotion of excessive or rapid use or use as an intoxicant.
• No advertisements within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of a public or private school or daycare center, on or in a public transit vehicle or public transit shelter or on or in a publicly owned or operated property.
• No television, radio, print media or internet ads permitted unless there is reliable evidence that the under-18 audience is no more than 30% of the total audience. Dispensaries must provide audience composition evidence upon request.

• No coupons, rebates or promotions.
• No more than three signs, which shall not exceed 36 square feet in length or width, visible to the general public from the public right-of-way.
• No content or symbols commonly associated with medicine or pharmacy, such as crosses of any color or a caduceus.
• Cannot encourage crossing state lines with medical cannabis, display consumption, promote cannabis as an intoxicant, or encourage excessive use.
• Required inclusion of specific advisories on all advertising: usage by qualified patients only, potential harms during pregnancy or breastfeeding, lack of FDA approval, and caution against operating vehicles or machinery under influence.
• Coupons, rebates, or promotions related to medical cannabis purchases are forbidden unless part of a compassionate care plan approved by the Medical Marijuana Commission.

California

• Ads, including radio and television, can only be run in places where at least 71.6% of the audience is over 21 years of age, based on reliable data.
• Free contests and giveaways are not allowed.
• Advertising on billboards on interstate highways or state highways crossing into California is prohibited.

• No use of the name of a California county unless 100% of the cannabis was grown there.
• No marketing cannabis goods as an alcoholic beverage.
• No ads or designs attractive to children.
• Any health claims in advertising must be truthful and not misleading.

• No use of the words “organic” or “OCal” unless registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture or California Department of Public Health.
• No pictures of edibles.
• All advertisements must legibly identify the responsible licensee by name and license number, including on technology platforms and outdoor advertising.
• Direct marketing communications must include a method to verify the recipient is at least 21 years old, such as user confirmation or birth date disclosure.
• All advertising must be truthful and not misleading.
• Advertising must not contradict product labeling.
• Ads cannot falsely imply cannabis originates from a specific region unless verified on the product label.
• Marketing must not encourage consumption by individuals under 21.
• Ads cannot be placed within 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, day care centers, or youth centers.
• Advertising inside a licensed premise is allowed, provided it is not visible from public spaces and does not target individuals under 21.

Colorado

• No advertising which specifically targets those outside the state of Colorado.
• No misleading claims.
• No outdoor advertising, except any fixed sign located on the same zone lot as the business and that exists solely for the purpose of identifying the location.
• No ads or designs appealing to children.
• No advertising toward location-based devices, unless by app for adults only with a permanent and easy opt-out feature.
• No internet pop-ups.
• Event advertising is only allowed wherein people under age 18 make up no more than 30% of the event’s participants and audience.
• Cannabis businesses must not engage in advertising that is deceptive, false, or misleading in any way.
• Advertisements for cannabis concentrates must include notices about the potential risks of overconsumption.
• Cannabis businesses can advertise through TV, radio, print, or internet only if at least 71.6% of the audience is expected to be 21 or older.
• Businesses may not claim their products are safe due to state regulation.
• Businesses must comply with local laws regulating signs and advertising.
• All state laws, including the Outdoor Advertising Act, must be followed.
• No advertising on outdoor signs within 500 feet of schools, places of worship, or public playgrounds.
• Marketing directed toward location-based devices is allowed only with a mobile app installed by the device’s owner, who must be 21 or older, and includes an opt-out feature.
• Businesses may sponsor events but cannot engage in advertising at those events unless there is reliable evidence that 71.6% of the audience is 21 or older.

Connecticut

• Advertisements must not appeal to minors.
• No representation of the plant.
• No health claims unless substantiated or conveyed by a licensed pharmacist or medical practitioner.

• No advertising on or in public or private vehicles or at bus stops, taxi stands, transportation waiting areas, train stations, airports or other similar transportation venues.
• No billboards within 1,500 feet of elementary or secondary school grounds, houses of worship, recreation centers or facilities, childcare centers, playgrounds, public parks or libraries, or on billboards between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.; by television, radio, internet, mobile applications, social media, other electronic communication, billboard or other outdoor signage, or print publication unless the establishment has reliable evidence at least 90% of the advertisement’s audience is reasonably expected to be age 21 or older; and through location-based devices, unless the marketing is an app whose owner, who is age 21 or older, installed it on the phone and includes a permanent and easy opt-out feature and warnings that use is restricted to those age 21 and older.
• No event sponsorship without reliable evidence not more than 10% of the audience is expected to be under age 21.
• No encouragement of transportation across state lines or other illegal activity.
• Various words are specifically prohibited, as well as the use of radios or loudspeakers in a vehicle or in or outside the facility.
• Specific warnings are required, and outdoor signs also must adhere to specific rules.
• No visible ads within 500 feet of schools, child care centers, playgrounds, public parks, or libraries.
• Cannabis businesses cannot use the term “dispensary” or imply they are a pharmacy if they are not.
• No advertising on public or private vehicles or at transportation venues like bus stops or train stations.
• Cannabis, its products, or plant imagery cannot be visible from outside the establishment. No exterior signs displaying cannabis plant images.
• Ads must include a warning not to use cannabis if under 21 and to keep it away from children, taking up at least 10% of the ad space in print or visual mediums and easily intelligible in audio mediums.
• Outdoor signs are exempt from certain restrictions if they only contain the name and logo of the establishment, do not use cannabis plant images, consist of no more than three colors, and are located on the premises or commercial property occupied by multiple tenants including the cannabis establishment.
• The department may not register brand names that are misleading, identical to non-cannabis products, obscene, or associated with persons under 21.

Delaware

• No advertising medical marijuana sales through print media, broadcast, or paid in-person solicitation.
• Appropriate signage on the premises of registered compassion centers is allowed.
• Listings in business directories, trade, or medical publications is permitted.
• Sponsorship of health, not-for-profit charity, or advocacy events without direct advertising is allowed.
• Advertising within a registered compassion center is banned.

District of Columbia (D.C.)

• No prices displayed in windows of a registered establishment, nor advertisements on the exterior of any window or on the exterior or interior of any door.
• No exterior signs advertising medical cannabis or visible from the exterior are allowed to be illuminated at any time.
• The use of imagery or illustrations that depict children, immature persons, or objects like toys that suggest the presence of children in any marketing material is forbidden.
• No design or content which appeals to children or immature persons.
• Any statements known to be false or misleading regarding the price, ingredients, source, or manufacturer of medical cannabis is prohibited, as well as health benefits.
• No statements that encourage the use or purchase of medical cannabis without a registration card are allowed.

Florida

• No public advertising except an affixed sign at the location.
• Dispensaries can display a sign outside or in the window with the business name, trade name, or logo approved by the department. Names and logos cannot appeal to children or promote recreational cannabis use.

• Internet advertising is allowed if it is:
  • State Department-approved
  • Does not appeal to minors
  • Not an unsolicited pop-up
  • Has opt-in marketing with an easy and permanent opt-out feature.

Georgia

• No advertising to patients, caregivers or the public.
• Product information must be accurate, truthful, and properly substantiated by following the Farm Act and rules.
• Products may be presented to physicians through electronic communication, printed mail, or in-person.

Hawaii

• No advertising in any media.
• No display or products in public view or windows.
• No use of the words “candy” and “candies” on advertising, product lists or product menus.
• Dispensaries can share general information like contact details, location, and a product list with descriptions as specified by certain regulations, via a website or private messaging upon individual request.
• Dispensaries and their staff are prohibited from making unsubstantiated, false, or misleading health or benefit claims about their products.

Idaho

• Cannabis remains illegal, therefore, no state laws on cannabis advertising exist.

Illinois

• No misleading claims or promotion of overconsumption.
• Depiction of consumption and underaged consumption are not allowed.
• No health claims.
• No images of leaf or bud.
• Not appealing to minors.
• No advertisements within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of school grounds, a playground, a recreation center or facility, a childcare center, a public park or public library or a game arcade to which admission is not restricted to persons 21 years of age or older.
• No ads on or in a public transit vehicle or public transit shelter; on or in publicly owned or publicly operated property.
• No promotions, games or competitions.
• No false or misleading statements or illustrations.
• Restrictions do not apply to messages with an educational purpose regarding cannabis.
• Cannot encourage sales by giving away cannabis products.

Indiana

• Currently no cannabis advertising laws are in place.

Iowa

• No images of cannabis or paraphernalia.
• No colloquial references.
• No advertising strains or varieties.
• No unsubstantiated medical claims.
• No medical symbols or misleading statements.
• Displays, interior signs and other exhibits should be arranged to reasonably prevent public viewing from outside the facility.
• For marketing activities, manufacturers must get written approval from the department, which will respond within 30 days. If there’s no response within this period, the marketing request is deemed approved.

Kansas

• Cannabis remains illegal, therefore, no state laws on cannabis advertising exist.

Kentucky

• No advertising medicinal cannabis sales across print, broadcast, online, and other methods, with specific exceptions.
• Signs on business property, business directory listings, trade or medical publication listings, sponsorship of health or not-for-profit events, and informational websites and social media presence are allowed.
• Cultivators, processors, and producers cannot display external signs or logos indicating cannabis activities within their facilities.
• All advertising must avoid deceptive, false, or misleading statements.
• Cannabis businesses can maintain social media for describing their services and products, providing educational materials, and displaying product information and certificates of analysis. Contact information and a list of dispensaries where their products are sold can also be provided. Businesses must report all web and social media accounts to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and ensure the Cabinet’s access is not blocked. Prohibited content includes anything deceptive, targeting individuals under 18, promoting illegal activities, or depicting cannabis consumption. Websites and social media must clearly state: “Medicinal cannabis is for use by cardholders only” and “Keep out of reach of children.” Age verification measures for users are required.
• Cannabis businesses must remove any advertising deemed non-compliant by the Cabinet upon written notice.
• Direct promotion of cannabis businesses, services, and products is permitted only to other licensed cannabis entities. Safety compliance facilities can promote their testing services exclusively to other cannabis businesses.

Louisiana

• No advertising through public media.
• Two separate signs attached to a premises exterior identifying business or trade name are allowed, as long as they are under 1,600 square inches in size.
• Cannabis retailers are restricted to advertising solely through a single internet website and signage on their premises.

Maine

• No misleading claims or placement within 1,000 feet of the property line of a preexisting public or private school.
• No health claims or mass marketing.
• No opt-in marketing that does not permit an easy and permanent opt-out feature.
• No advertising on location-based devices, unless a mobile device application installed on the device by the owner of the device, who is 21 years of age or older and the app includes a permanent and easy opt-out feature.
• Not appealing to minors.
• A sign on the licensed premises is allowed, as well as on the exterior of a motor vehicle.
• Must not promote irresponsible or illegal activity under Maine law.
• Cannot present a significant risk to public health and safety.
• Cannot show the consumption of cannabis products.
• No claims about potency except for listing cannabinoid content.
• Cannot depict activities risky under the influence of cannabis.
• Cannot include or imitate candy advertising or use the term “candy.”
• No encouragement of transporting cannabis across state lines.
• No assertions that cannabis products are safe due to regulation or testing.
• No claims about curative or therapeutic effects or other health benefits.
• Cannot distribute handbills in public areas or publicly owned property.
• Vehicle wraps are limited to small stickers; large vehicle wraps are not allowed.
• Advertising is restricted within certain distances from schools and public places.
• Ads must state “For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older” and include the establishment’s license number.

Maryland

• No misleading claims.
• No targeting or appealing to minors.
• No depiction of use is allowed.
• No obscenity or encouragement of use as an intoxicant.
• No advertisements on publicly visible locations or in media unless at least 85% of the audience is reasonably expected to be at least 21 years old as determined by reliable and current audience composition data.
• Therapeutic and medical claims must be supported by substantial clinical evidence or data.
• Must include information on significant side effects or risks associated with cannabis use.
• Cannot contain designs or images that encourage recreational use of cannabis.
• No depictions of consumption, smoking, or vaping of cannabis.
• All ads must state the product is only for use by a qualifying patient.
• Social media and app notifications must notify that content is for those 18+ and for certified patients only.
• No ads within 500 feet of substance abuse facilities, schools, child care centers, playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, or public parks.
• Restrictions don’t apply to ads on property owned or leased by dispensaries, growers, or processors.

Massachusetts

• Logos containing medical symbols, images of cannabis, related paraphernalia, elements appealing to anyone under the age of 21, and colloquial references are prohibited.
• Neon signage is banned at all times, and external signage shall not be illuminated except for a period of 30 minutes before sundown until closing and shall comply with local requirements regarding signage.
• No exterior ads or any specific brand names.
• Promotional items for gift or sale are not allowed if bearing cannabis symbols or references.
• Advertising must not appeal to minors.
• Two specific disclaimers are required.
• Geo-fencing mobile targeting is allowed, as well as branded sponsorships at certain events, with continued prohibitions on activities that target underage participants or entrants. At least 85% of the target audience on ads must be aimed at 21 years old or older.
• Brand name sponsorship of charitable, sporting, or similar events aimed at those 21 years old or older is allowed but is limited to brand name only.
• Charitable and cultural event sponsorship is allowed if it’s part of the establishment’s Positive Impact Plan, with the same age targeting and safeguard requirements as above.
• Posting of prices and availability of a catalog or price list in-store and online is allowed.
• Advertising must include the phrase “Please Consume Responsibly,” along with other warnings, and does not promote to those under the age of 21.
• No advertising that is deceptive, misleading, false, or fraudulent.
• No false or misleading statements concerning other licensees.
• No asserting products are safe or have therapeutic effects unless supported by substantial evidence or required labeling.
• Billboard and public signage must comply with all state and local regulations.
• No use of vehicles for advertising cannabis products.
• No advertising of an improper or objectionable nature.
• No display of cannabis products visible from the exterior of the establishment.
• Restrictions exist on the marketing of free promotional items, except for permitted practices.

Michigan

• No advertising in media unless no more than 30% of the audience is reasonably expected to be at least 21 years old.
• Specific warnings are required.
• No appealing to minors.
• Advertising must comply with all municipal ordinances, state laws, and specific rules regulating signs and advertising.
• Cannot advertise cannabis products in a way that is deceptive, false, or misleading.
• Marketing must not contain health or benefits claims unless approved by the FDA or under a Letter of Enforcement Discretion issued by the FDA.
• Advertising is allowed only if there’s reliable evidence that no more than 30% of the audience is under the age of 21. Must include specified warnings.
• Those receiving payment under licensing agreements for intellectual property are responsible for marketing or advertising by either party.
• Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA) Marketing: Advertise as “medical marijuana” only for use by registered qualifying patients or caregivers.
• Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA) Marketing: Advertise as “marijuana” for use only by individuals 21 years of age or older.
• Under MMFLA, do not market or advertise to minors aged 17 years or younger. Sponsorships for this age group are prohibited.
• Under MRTMA, do not market or advertise to individuals under 21 years of age. Sponsorships for individuals under 21 are prohibited.

Minnesota

• No misleading or health claims. No promotion of overconsumption, depiction of minor consumption or appealing to minors.
• Must contain a specific warning.
• Outdoor advertisements are banned except for two fixed outdoor signs on the exterior of the business building or property.
• No advertising in any medium if 30% or more of the audience medium is reasonably expected to be individuals who are under 21 years of age, as determined by reliable, current audience composition data.
• No unsolicited pop-up advertisements on the internet.
• No advertising using location-based devices unless the owner of the device is 21 years of age or older.
• No colloquial terms, implication of state endorsement, images of cannabis or paraphernalia or medical symbols.
• Business name and logo can be displayed on cannabis labels, signs, website, and informational materials with restrictions: no images of cannabis or smoking paraphernalia, no names of cannabis plant strains, and no medical symbols resembling those of established medical associations unless approved by the commissioner.
• Signs are allowed on manufacturing and distribution facilities.
• Activities not specified in the permitted list require written approval from the commissioner; the commissioner has 30 days to approve proposed marketing and advertising activities.
• Merchandise, signs, and exhibits within facilities must be arranged to prevent public viewing from outside the manufacturing and distribution facilities.

Mississippi

• No advertising in any media.
• No product display in windows or public view.
• No depiction of consumption or promotion of overconsumption.
• No health or safety claims.
• Not appealing to minors.
• No imagery of leaf or bud.
• Sponsorships of health or not-for-profit charity or advocacy events are allowed.
• Branding must not target minors, pregnant women, breastfeeding women or promote non-medical use.
• No promotions or sales are allowed.
• Educational materials are permissible.
• No mass communication methods, including mass text or messaging communications and mass email communications.
• Advertisements should not be viewable from or in public spaces, including, but not limited to “Adopt a Highway” signs and electronic interstate signs.

Missouri

• No health or misleading claims.
• Not appealing to minors.
• Business names cannot include words like “pharmacist,” “pharmacy,” “apothecary,” and similar terms unless supervised by a licensed pharmacist.
• Dispensary sales floors must not be visible from public places outside the facility. This includes ensuring sales of cannabis or accessories are not visible without optical aids.

Montana

• Only electronic advertising is allowed.
• No colloquial terms or images of products, paraphernalia or indication of product presence, such as smoke.
• No advertising via location-based devices unless users affirmatively opt into receiving push notifications related to marijuana or marijuana-related products.
• No internet unsolicited pop-up or push-to advertising.
• No safety claims.
• No appealing to minors and no mascots.
• No health or misleading claims.
• No promotion of overconsumption.
• No depiction of consumption or underage consumption.
• Outdoor signage must comply with local regulations.
• Private social media accounts must state that followers should be over the age of 21.
• Cannot assert products are safe without specifying testing by a licensed lab.
• Informational pamphlets and business cards are allowed for use at trade conferences and as business cards.
• Businesses may state that products have been tested by licensed laboratories.

Find Your State: Cannabis Advertising Laws N–Z

This page covers cannabis advertising laws for states A through M. For the second half of the country (Nevada through Wyoming) see our full breakdown of cannabis advertising laws by state: N–Z.

Laws in this space move quickly. Legislative sessions bring changes throughout the year, and what applied in 2024 may not apply now. Bookmark both pages and check back as your state’s session calendar dictates.

CannaCon covers the regulatory shifts shaping the cannabis industry at our 2026 conferences. Join us June 26-27 at CannaCon St. Paul in Minnesota, or Aug. 28-29 at CannaCon St. Louis in Missouri. Get your tickets today!

This article was originally published on Nov. 9, 2021, and was updated on May 20, 2024 and again on April 20, 2026.