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Navigating New York’s cannabis industry requires not only great products but a deep understanding of the state’s advertising and marketing regulations. New York cannabis businesses must comply with stringent cannabis advertising laws and cannabis marketing rules to avoid penalties and build successful brands.

This guide breaks down the key regulations governing cannabis advertising, marketing, packaging, and labeling for licensed businesses in New York.

New York Cannabis Advertising Laws and Regulations

New York has strict cannabis advertising laws to protect consumers, prevent underage exposure, and ensure truthful representation of cannabis products. These New York cannabis advertising rules apply to all forms of media, including social media, print, and digital platforms.

What’s Allowed in Cannabis Advertising:

  1. Age-Restricted Advertising: Advertisements must only target audiences where at least 90% of viewers are aged 21 or older.
  2. Factual Information: Ads should provide accurate, truthful information about the cannabis product, including its effects and ingredients.
  3. Health Warnings: Ads must include a clear health and safety warning to educate consumers on the potential risks of cannabis use.

What’s Prohibited in Cannabis Advertising:

  1. False or Misleading Claims: Ads cannot make unverified medical claims or suggest that cannabis can cure or treat health conditions.
  2. Targeting Minors: Advertising that appeals to minors, such as using cartoon characters, toys, or celebrities popular with young audiences, is strictly prohibited.
  3. Public Spaces Without Age Gating: Ads cannot be displayed in spaces where minors could be exposed, including billboards and social media platforms that lack age-verification.

For more details on New York cannabis advertising regulations, you can refer to the New York Cannabis Advertising Guidelines.

New York Cannabis Marketing Regulations

Cannabis marketing laws in New York are designed to ensure transparency, protect consumers, and promote responsible cannabis use. These New York cannabis marketing rules regulate how cannabis businesses can promote their products across various channels.

Key Cannabis Marketing Rules:

  1. No Targeting Underage Consumers: Similar to advertising, all marketing efforts must avoid appealing to anyone under the age of 21.
  2. Responsible Messaging: Marketing materials must promote the responsible use of cannabis and avoid glamorizing its effects.
  3. No Unsolicited Marketing: Sending unsolicited marketing communications, such as emails or text messages, is not allowed unless the recipient has opted in.

These New York cannabis marketing laws ensure that licensed businesses market their products responsibly while remaining compliant with state guidelines.

Cannabis Packaging and Labeling Laws in New York

Packaging and labeling are critical components of compliance for cannabis businesses in New York. The cannabis packaging and labeling laws aim to protect consumers by ensuring accurate information is provided and that products are safely stored.

Key Cannabis Packaging Laws:

  1. Child-Resistant Packaging: All cannabis products must be packaged in child-resistant containers to prevent accidental consumption.
  2. Opaque and Tamper-Evident: Cannabis packaging must be opaque (not see-through) and tamper-evident to ensure the integrity of the product.

Key Cannabis Labeling Laws:

  1. Product Information: The label must include the product name, manufacturer’s license number, and batch/lot number for traceability.
  2. THC and CBD Content: Labels must display the total THC and CBD content in milligrams, providing clear information for consumers.
  3. Health Warnings: Labels must feature a health warning, as required by New York cannabis labeling laws, to educate consumers on the potential risks of using the product.

For the complete list of New York cannabis packaging and labeling regulations, you can review the New York Cannabis Packaging and Labeling Guidelines.

Advertising and Marketing Rules for Cannabis Businesses in New York: Why Compliance Matters

Non-compliance with New York cannabis advertising and marketing regulations can lead to severe consequences, including fines, license revocations, and reputational damage. Adhering to these advertising rules for cannabis businesses ensures that your business remains compliant while building a strong brand presence in New York’s growing cannabis market.

BV: Your Partner for Cannabis Advertising and Marketing in New York

BV is a New York cannabis marketing agency that specializes in helping cannabis businesses thrive in a highly regulated industry. We provide a full suite of marketing services, from branding and cannabis website design to cannabis SEO, social media, and cannabis packaging and labeling solutions.

Let us help you navigate the complexities of New York cannabis marketing laws while growing your brand and increasing your customer base. Reach out to BV today to learn more about our cannabis advertising, packaging, and branding services for New York cannabis businesses.

Julio Soriagalvarro

As the Managing Partner of BV, a digital marketing agency, Julio specializes in building and scaling businesses in the cannabis, sports betting, psychedelics, and hemp industries. With a focus on enhancing online presence, boosting search rankings, and generating leads, he collaborates with both B2B and B2C businesses to achieve digital success.