Certain billboards advertising prohibition elimination provision
Impact
The proposed amendments have significant implications for state law regarding cannabis advertising. By repealing the existing prohibition on outdoor billboard advertisements for cannabis goods, the bill facilitates a more open marketing strategy for cannabis businesses. This is expected to lead to increased competition among such businesses and may also influence consumer behavior as brands seek to attract attention through visible advertising. Importantly, the bill also continues to include protections against advertising to audiences under the age of 21, which reflects a consideration for youth protection despite the expansion of advertising avenues.
Summary
SF2326 is a legislative bill aimed at amending the advertising regulations concerning cannabis and hemp businesses in Minnesota. One of the key provisions of the bill is the elimination of a previous prohibition on certain types of outdoor advertising on billboards for cannabis and hemp products. Specifically, these changes would allow cannabis and hemp businesses to utilize outdoor advertisements within stipulated guidelines, promoting visibility and potentially enhancing sales.
Contention
Though the bill aims to support businesses in the emerging cannabis market, it may also incite discussions and debates about public health and youth access to cannabis products. The measure addresses concerns over preventing exposure to cannabis advertising for minors, with restrictions set in place that prohibit advertisements in mediums where a significant portion of the audience is under 21. However, critics may argue that the relaxation of advertising restrictions could lead to increased normalization and acceptance of cannabis use, particularly among younger demographics.
Office of Cannabis Management establishment of limits on the total THC in cannabis flower and cannabis products requirement; ingredients addition to impart a taste of smell to cannabis products intended to be consumed through the inhalation of smoke, vapor, or aerosol prohibition; warnings about cannabis consumption to include warnings regarding cancer requirement; advertisements that promote the co-consumption of alcohol and cannabis prohibition
Cannabis; Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Health appropriations modified, cannabis provisions modified, Department of Commerce assessed fees modified, consumer protection provisions added and modified, Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act established, rulemaking authorized, data classified, technical changes made, reports required, and money appropriated.
Petition process to designate cannabinoids as nonintoxicating or approved for use in lower-potency hemp edibles established, hemp edibles provisions modified, provisions related to testing of hemp products modified, and cannabinol and cannabichromene designated as nonintoxicating cannabinoids.
Office of Cannabis Management required to establish limits on total THC in cannabis flower and cannabis products; addition of ingredients to impart taste or smell to cannabis products intended to be consumed through inhalation of smoke, vapor, or aerosol prohibited; warnings regarding cannabis consumption resulting in cancer required, and advertisements prohibited.