Massachusetts committee discusses cannabis advertising restrictions amid youth health concerns

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy meeting on June 17, 2025, spotlighted a heated debate over cannabis advertising regulations, with significant implications for public health and small businesses.

During the session, industry representatives argued for equal treatment of cannabis and alcohol in advertising, emphasizing that current restrictions disproportionately hinder small cannabis businesses. One speaker highlighted that while large corporations can afford extensive marketing, smaller operators struggle under existing limitations. “If we were to hinder marketing, we would be putting these companies in the ground,” he stated, underscoring the financial pressures faced by smaller enterprises.

Conversely, advocates for stricter regulations, like Carolyn Montello, voiced concerns about the impact of cannabis advertising on youth. Montello supported a bill aimed at prohibiting billboard advertisements for non-prescription marijuana, citing existing laws that are not effectively enforced. She pointed out that current regulations fail to protect young people from exposure to cannabis marketing, which she believes normalizes its use. “Our kids have been exposed to these billboard advertisements long enough,” she warned, calling for more robust protections.

The discussions reflect a broader tension between supporting small businesses in the cannabis industry and ensuring public health safeguards, particularly for youth. As Massachusetts continues to navigate its cannabis policies, the outcomes of these debates will likely shape the future landscape of cannabis advertising in the state.