Twitter Now Allows Marijuana Advertising

Twitter, in a Feb. 15, 2023 blog post, announced revisions to the social media platform’s ad policy to relax cannabis advertising in the United States and Canada. The move makes Twitter the only large, established social media platform to allow marijuana ads.

The blog post states, “Going forward, Twitter is allowing advertisers to promote brand preference and informational cannabis-related content for CBD, THC, and cannabis-related products and services.”

The social media giant’s policy indicates that ads may not be targeted to minors and may not show people using or under the influence of marijuana, among other restrictions.

Twitter’s blog post reasons, “The cannabis space on Twitter is fun and engaging with users Tweeting about their experiences using cannabis – whether medicinally, for wellness, or recreation – as well as recommending brands, products, and retail locations. The conversation also reflects where the cannabis industry is currently heading: legislative/policy reform, business development, and community impact.”

Recreational marijuana is legal in 21 U.S. states and D.C., while medical marijuana is legal in D.C. and 37 states.

Discussion Questions

1. Should social media platforms allow marijuana advertising? If yes, what restrictions should be implemented? If no, why not? Explain your answers.

2. Should recreational marijuana be legal? Why or why not?

3. Should medical marijuana be legal? Why or why not?

Sources

Alexa Alianiello and Rohan Routroy, “Enabling More Brands to Connect with the Cannabis Conversation,” business.twitter.com, Feb. 15, 2023

Emily Earlenbaugh, “Twitter Just Became the First Cannabis-Friendly Large Social Media Platform in the United States,” forbes.com, Feb. 16, 2023

Lauren Leffer, “From 404 to 420: Twitter Now Allows Weed Advertising,” gizmodo.com, Feb. 15, 2023

Twitter.com, “Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia,” business.twitter.com (accessed Feb. 27, 2023)