Prohibition on cannabis advertising on billboards eliminated.
Impact
The removal of billboard advertising restrictions could significantly impact the cannabis industry's marketing landscape in Minnesota. By allowing outdoor advertisements, the bill is anticipated to enhance visibility for cannabis products and businesses, which could lead to increased consumer awareness and sales. However, lawmakers have emphasized that the bill retains certain protective measures to prevent potential negative impacts on youth, such as the stipulation that advertisements cannot target audiences with a substantial percentage of underage viewers.
Summary
House File 2104 seeks to amend existing Minnesota cannabis regulations by removing the prohibition against billboard advertising for cannabis businesses. This legislative change aims to allow cannabis-related businesses to promote their products and services more freely in outdoor advertising spaces, aligning their marketing capabilities with other industries. The bill also outlines specific regulations that remain in place, particularly with respect to protecting audiences under the age of 21 from exposure to cannabis advertising in mediums where a significant portion of the audience consists of minors.
Contention
The bill has stirred discussions among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that the legislation welcomes businesses into a space that has been restricted under previous regulations, thus encouraging economic growth within the burgeoning cannabis market. On the other hand, critics express concerns about the implications of expanded advertising on public health, particularly concerning youth exposure to cannabis marketing. There are fears that increased visibility may inadvertently normalize cannabis use among younger populations, prompting debates about the ethical responsibilities of cannabis marketers.
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
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.
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.
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.