Meta Updates Ad Policies to Allow Limited CBD Product Promotion

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has revised its advertising policies to permit the promotion of certain non-ingestible CBD products. This policy shift, announced last Tuesday, allows ads for CBD products containing up to 0.3% THC, aligning with the U.S. federal definition of legal hemp, under specific conditions

To advertise CBD products, companies must obtain written approval from Meta and ensure their products are certified by LegitScript, a compliance company. Additionally, these advertisements must adhere to local laws and cannot target individuals under 18. This move represents a significant change in how CBD products can be marketed on major social media platforms

Meta has also relaxed its advertising rules for non-ingestible hemp products, such as fibers and seeds. These products can now be advertised without written authorization in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, provided they comply with local laws and industry guidelines. This change aims to facilitate broader market access for hemp-based products

Despite these relaxations, Meta maintains strict prohibitions against ads promoting THC-based or psychoactive cannabis products. Ads for CBD products must not make claims about treating or curing diseases. This cautious approach reflects the ongoing regulatory challenges surrounding cannabis product advertising

The updates to Meta's advertising policies are part of a broader trend among social media platforms to adapt to the evolving cannabis industry. Similar changes have been made by Twitter, which now allows certified advertisers to promote packaged cannabis products. These developments indicate a growing acceptance and integration of cannabis products in mainstream advertising channels