Madison urges Encinitas council to address youth-targeted marijuana advertising

The City of Encinitas City Council meeting on May 21, 2025, featured a significant public comment regarding the impact of marijuana advertising on youth. Madison, a concerned resident, addressed the council about the aggressive marketing strategies employed by the city's four marijuana storefronts on social media platforms.

Madison highlighted that, despite existing laws aimed at restricting cannabis advertising to minors, a recent study revealed that children and teenagers are still being targeted through these channels. She pointed out that cannabis businesses exploit legal loopholes to deliver content directly to underage users, effectively bypassing age restrictions. This advertising not only reaches young audiences but also encourages engagement through likes and shares, which research indicates increases the likelihood of youth trying cannabis.

The speaker emphasized the potential dangers of early cannabis use, particularly during critical developmental stages, citing concerns from the National Institute on Drug Abuse regarding memory, cognition, and long-term mental health effects. Madison drew parallels between current cannabis marketing tactics and those historically used by the tobacco and alcohol industries, noting the use of appealing imagery and youthful influencers to attract a younger demographic.

She urged the Encinitas City Council to take action, stressing that only a small fraction of local jurisdictions in California have implemented regulations on cannabis advertising. Madison called for the council to break the silence on this issue and consider measures to protect the youth from harmful advertising practices.

The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue about public health and safety in relation to cannabis marketing, with Madison's comments serving as a catalyst for potential future discussions and actions by the council.