Arizona Lawmakers Tighten Reins on Marijuana Advertising
In a move reminiscent of past efforts to regulate tobacco advertising, Arizona legislators are now focusing on marijuana promotions, aiming to protect young audiences. The state has enacted a new law restricting how marijuana sellers can advertise their products, signed by Governor Katie Hobbs. This measure seeks to limit exposure to those under 21, a demographic that should not be targeted by these promotions.
Representative Selina Bliss, a Republican from Prescott, emphasized the importance of keeping marijuana advertisements away from younger audiences. This approach includes banning the use of images and characters attractive to children, such as Santa Claus, in marijuana marketing. The legislation clearly states that fictional characters or images related to toys and cartoons are prohibited in cannabis advertising.
The law also restricts the naming of products after food or drink brands known to appeal to children. Furthermore, it limits advertising in various public spaces such as airports, public transportation systems, and on billboards near places like schools and playgrounds. A significant condition for online advertisements is that they can only appear if the audience is predominantly, 73.6% or more, over the age of 21. This figure aligns with U.S. Census Bureau data and standards from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States for adult-targeted advertising.
Additionally, the law bans marijuana retailers from sponsoring sporting events unless the majority of the audience is over 21. Advertising is also prohibited on billboards located within 1,000 feet of schools and other child-centric locations.
Bliss, sharing her experience as an ER and ICU nurse, highlighted the risks of accidental poisoning from marijuana products in children. “I have seen accidental poisonings by these agents causing a child to have to go on a ventilator,” she noted, underscoring the legislation’s intent to safeguard children’s health.
Phoenix pediatrician Gary Kirkilas drew parallels with historical tobacco advertising restrictions during a House testimony. He brought visual evidence of marijuana advertisements, such as a billboard featuring Santa smoking a joint. Kirkilas stressed the necessity of enforcing similar advertising restrictions for marijuana as those applied to tobacco.
Arizona’s journey with marijuana legalization began in 2010 with a medical program, followed by the 2020 legalization of recreational use for adults 21 and older. However, with legalization came an increase in advertising, prompting legislative action.
Despite some initial setbacks in passing these restrictions, lawmakers have now agreed on the new rules, which exclude hemp-infused products with negligible psychoactive content. Businesses have until June 30, 2026, to comply with the law, giving them ample time to adjust their advertising strategies.
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