Twitter Allows Cannabis Advertising in US and Canada with Restrictions

Twitter has announced a significant policy shift by permitting cannabis-related advertising in the United States and Canada. This decision makes Twitter the first major social media platform to allow such advertising, albeit with stringent restrictions. The company has updated its guidelines to enable approved cannabis brands to target adult users in regions where cannabis is legal

Previously, Twitter only allowed advertisements for CBD-based cosmetic products. Now, the platform will also accept ads for cannabis-related products and services, such as testing laboratories and cultivation tools. However, advertisers must comply with strict rules, including obtaining prior authorization from Twitter and holding a valid license from relevant authorities

The updated guidelines stipulate that cannabis advertisements cannot promote the sale of cannabis, except for hemp-derived CBD products with a THC content of 0.3% or less. Advertisers are prohibited from targeting individuals under the age of 21, and all landing pages must be age-gated. Furthermore, ads cannot make efficacy claims, health benefits, or show people consuming cannabis

In Canada, the advertising landscape remains largely unchanged, as Twitter already allowed limited cannabis advertising. Canadian advertisers must still obtain a license from Health Canada and Twitter's pre-approval, focusing on informative or brand-preference content without mentioning prices or endorsements

This move by Twitter stands out against other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which maintain strict prohibitions against cannabis advertising. While Google has slowly started allowing ads for hemp-based products in select areas, Twitter's policy change could pave the way for broader acceptance of cannabis advertising in digital spaces