New Washington Law Implements Strict Rules for Recreational Cannabis Ads

This weekend, a new law goes into effect in Washington that limits cannabis advertising, and businesses are bracing. Senate Bill 5131 will implement strict cannabis advertising regulations starting Sunday, July 23.

Under the law, signs cannot contain logos, images of plants, products or anything that might appeal to children. Signs are limited to the business or tradename, location and nature of business. Signs are required to display that cannabis my only be purchased by persons 21 and older. The restrictions on billboard ads and print ads are very similar, and billboard ads can only be used for the purpose of identifying the business and the nature of the business.

The law bans all transit advertising including bus stops and ads, taxi ads, vinyl wraps and ads that target persons outside of Washington state. Authorities in cities and towns may also impose further restrictions. Tobacco ad restrictions are somewhat similar.

Shops in the SoDo district were observed taking down signs that go beyond the boundaries of the new law. Oscar Velasco-Schmitz, co-owner of Dockside Cannabis, is one of the local business owners that will be affected. “I was a bit concerned because you want to be able to create a traditional business. In order to do that you need to be able to convert the consumer, so you want normal channels to do that, and advertising is one of the ways to do it,” Velasco-Schmitz said. “People are prepping for it, they’re bracing. And they may be bracing for a paper tsunami, there may be nothing coming and there may be no impact,” he said.

State Senator Ann Rivers, who sponsored the bill, says the main focus of the bill is to protect children from unwanted exposure to the cannabis lifestyle. Many local business owners agree that children need to be protected, but say the law goes too far.

Meanwhile, alcohol and tobacco ads can be seen everywhere containing logos and pictures of their products, which some believe creates a double standard.