Last week the House Appropriations Committee advanced a bill that, if passed, would allow broadcasters to run ads for cannabis in states where it is legal.
Currently , the FCC prevents local TV and radio from accepting advertisements for cannabis. They risk their license and fines, as well as potential criminal charges. But next year’s Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill includes language that would prevent the FCC from taking any punitive action against broadcasters that accept cannabis ads in locations where it is state legal. The National Association of Broadcasters spokesman Alex Siciliano said, “As the vast majority of states have legalized cannabis in some form, today marks a long overdue step toward finally allowing broadcasters to receive equal treatment regarding cannabis advertising that other forms of media have had for years.” Mr. Siciliano is referring to other media forms which are not under the FCC’s rules. These would include media such as cable, satellite, internet, print, social media platforms and billboards can accept such ads. The bill still must go through a few more hurdles, as it still needs to be passed by the full House and Senate. Even if passed, it still doesn’t address the broadcast and media ban of items included in the Controlled Substance Act. In response, State broadcast associations have formed a group they call the Safe Advertising Coalition, with the goal of lobbying for more definitive federal protection for broadcasters to air cannabis ads. Comments are closed.
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