Relative to prohibiting billboard advertisements of non-prescription marijuana
Impact
If enacted, S94 would modify Section 4 of Chapter 94G of the General Laws, creating stricter regulations around how non-prescription marijuana can be marketed. The bill adds a specific prohibition against billboard advertising, which lawmakers argue could be misleading to minors and lead to increased access to marijuana advertising among youth. By creating a clear delineation regarding billboard advertisements, the bill seeks to reinforce the protections already in place that aim to limit young people's access to potentially harmful substances.
Summary
Senate Bill 94 (S94) aims to amend current advertising regulations concerning non-prescription marijuana in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill seeks to prohibit billboard advertisements for non-prescription marijuana products. The purpose of this legislation is to protect public health, particularly among younger audiences, by reducing their exposure to marijuana advertising in prominent locations. Currently, advertising is already subject to restrictions based on audience age demographics, but this bill seeks to extend those limitations to outdoor billboard advertising specifically.
Contention
While the bill is anticipated to gain support from public health advocates who are concerned about youth exposure to cannabis products, there may also be contention from business stakeholders involved in the marijuana industry. These stakeholders may argue that broad restrictions on advertising could severely impact their ability to compete in the market. Additionally, concerns may be raised regarding the effectiveness of such advertising bans, as proponents of marijuana advertising argue that responsible marketing could be used to promote safe usage rather than encouraging abuse.