Hybrid Marketing Co.

The Rise of Premium Brands: Thriving in the Growing Cannabis Industry

Matt Gillespie — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 01:58:34 +0000

The Rise of Premium Brands: Thriving in the Growing Cannabis Industry

Premium brands can rule the cannabis market by crafting a distinct identity that resonates with consumers.

Countless cannabis brands struggle to set themselves apart. Premium branding isn’t just about offering top-notch products, but about creating a unique and resonant identity that captivates consumers. By intertwining lifestyle elements, capitalizing on celebrity influence, deeply understanding target audiences, and adapting to changing legal landscapes, premium brands are setting the pace in the cannabis world.

As we all catch our collective breath following the green rush of the last couple of years, the cannabis industry finds itself in strange days. The modern marijuana market—with all of its related products—is dense, overwhelming, and teeming with countless brands that appear virtually identical to one another from a distance.

This buzzing hive of competition swallows up new players on the regular. And any brands with the fatal flaw of sameness run the risk of disappearing into the static of a crowded industry. In such a saturated landscape, the only way to cut through the haze and truly resonate with consumers is to go beyond the ordinary and the expected.

Going premium is the answer. Higher quality, premium cannabis increases the potential to carve out a niche. But it’s not merely about doling out the dankest buds you can imagine—it also involves delivering an exceptional experience and a promise of exclusivity, luxury, and memorable consumer moments.

Then and only then can a brand hope to emerge from the crowd, capturing the spotlight in an industry that waits for no one.

The Evolution of Cannabis Brands

From the early days of black-market transactions to the contemporary world of high-end consumer goods, the journey of cannabis brands reflects the remarkable transformation of societal attitudes and the industry’s expansive growth.

In the nascent stages, the cannabis industry was primarily driven by demand, functioning largely in regulatory gray zones. The unbranded product was exchanged discreetly, with the main focus on utility rather than any notion of brand identity or customer loyalty.

As legalization began to turn the tide, the cannabis industry morphed dramatically. The era of the anonymous “baggy of weed” gradually receded, replaced by a blossoming world of packaging, marketing, and branding. Cannabis products started coming with logos, brand names, and labels—all market-researched to carve out distinct identities. The progression of legislation across states took the industry from a fringe market to a legitimate, mainstream sector.

Fast forward to today, and the industry is burgeoning with a multitude of brands vying for customer attention and loyalty. In this clamor, premium brands have surfaced as a standout phenomenon. These trailblazers are selling more than just cannabis. They’re infusing the scene with an air of sophistication, uniting elements of luxury, fashion, design, and lifestyle under their banner.

In the next two sections, we’ll more pointedly explore the modern evolution of cannabis in culture and celebrity.

Culture: Fashion, Design, and Lifestyle

Premium cannabis brands are at the forefront of the plant’s cultural revolution, deftly integrating their products into high-end, aspirational lifestyles. They understand that consumers are seeking a sensory and symbolic connection that echoes their tastes, attitudes, and identities.

The story of cannabis is no longer confined to its psychoactive effects or medicinal properties. It’s now intertwined with broader cultural phenomena, manifesting in the realms of fashion, design, and lifestyle.

Fashion: Fashion has been one of the most visible fields where cannabis and culture intertwine. Multiple designer brands have incorporated cannabis motifs into their designs. And in 2018, the luxury fashion brand Calvin Klein featured a cannabis-themed collection in its runway show at New York Fashion Week.
Design: Cannabis has emerged as a muse for designers, inspiring products that break the stereotype of the “stoner” aesthetic. Companies like Summerland Ceramics and Edie Parker – Weedie Parker Collection are creating sophisticated cannabis accessories such as high-end ceramic bongs and luxury stash boxes. More than functional pieces, they are designed to be statement pieces aligning with a chic lifestyle.
Lifestyle: Lifestyle brands are incorporating cannabis into their products to appeal to a new generation of consumers who embrace it as part of their daily routine. Take for instance Gossamer, a lifestyle brand that creates cannabis-centered content, covering everything from travel to food, design, and culture. They also sell a line of products such as Dusk, a cannabis-based sleep aid, that caters to the modern, wellness-oriented consumer.

This potent blend of culture and cannabis is no accident. By aligning themselves with high fashion, cutting-edge design, and affluent lifestyles, premium cannabis brands are not only enhancing their appeal but also shaping the perception of cannabis in society.

The Intersection of Celebrities and Weed

In the world of celebrity-endorsed and cultivated cannabis, a narrative emerges. These entrepreneurial efforts blend the A-lister’s personal brand with a cannabis brand’s identity, weaving a story that’s as much about lifestyle, values, and persona as it is about the product.

For consumers, the allure here is twofold: the promise of premium quality and the opportunity to connect with the lifestyle and values that the celebrity represents. And the reason for the celebrity interest is clear. Aside from their individual belief in the benefits of cannabis, they are business savvy enough to know a cash cow when they see one.

The global cannabis consumer base is sizable, estimated at a staggering 250 million. According to Marijuana Business Daily, the cannabis industry injected an impressive $112.4 billion into the U.S. economy in 2024, up about 12 percent from the previous year

And though there have been some bumps in the road to profit, projections indicate the industry’s economic contribution is anticipated to almost double, reaching around $123.6 billion by 2025.

Here are a few influential celebrities who have made notable contributions:

Seth Rogen: Known for his stoner-comedy roles, Seth Rogen has ventured into the cannabis industry with his own brand, Houseplant. The brand dreams up high-quality cannabis strains and chic, functional smoking accessories, all designed with Rogen’s artistic touch.

Jay-Z: Renowned rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z launched Monogram, a luxury cannabis brand that aims to redefine what cannabis means to consumers today. Monogram materializes a line of craft cannabis strains, celebrating the complex nuances that make cannabis an enriching endeavor.

Mike Tyson: Boxing legend Mike Tyson has his own cannabis company, Tyson Ranch. The company punches up a range of cannabis products, from flowers to edibles. Tyson Ranch goes beyond strains with a cannabis-themed resort project aimed at providing a luxurious cannabis lifestyle.

Willie Nelson: Country music legend Willie Nelson’s brand, Willie’s Reserve, pays tribute to his history and relationship with cannabis. Serenading with a range of flowers, edibles, and vapes, Willie’s Reserve embodies Nelson’s belief in the benefits and enjoyment of cannabis.

Snoop Dogg: Launched by hip-hop mogul Snoop Dogg, Leafs by Snoop encompasses the star’s personal style and attitude towards cannabis. The product line, which includes flowers, concentrates, and edibles, represents Snoop’s knowledge of endo and his desire to provide a premium, expressive, and diverse experience.

The entry of celebrities into the cannabis sphere represents a significant push for the entire industry. These public figures bring with them a vast audience, contributing to the mainstream acceptance and de-stigmatization of cannabis, while reinforcing the emergence and growth of premium brands in the industry.

Why is Branding Important in the Cannabis Industry?

A strong brand identity in the cannabis industry has emerged as a vital instrument of differentiation and customer engagement. At the core, branding is an immersive process that extends far beyond the dimensions of product quality, potency, and pricing. It delves into the heart of customer values, experiences, and lifestyles. It crafts a compelling narrative that goes beyond the product, creating an emotional resonance with customers.

Differentiation
Branding helps businesses stand out, expressing a singular voice and personality that sets them apart from the competition. From logo design and color scheme to product packaging and marketing messages, each element plays a critical role in defining a brand’s identity.

Customer Loyalty
A strong brand identity cultivates an emotional connection with its customers, leading to repeat purchases and brand loyalty. When customers identify with a brand’s values and what it stands for, they choose it over competitors, not just for the product, but for the sense of identification and community that the brand represents.

Trust and Credibility
A robust brand exudes professionalism and credibility, instilling trust in customers. It assures them of consistent quality and reliable service, key considerations in a market where product quality can significantly vary. In the cannabis industry, where regulation is still evolving, this trust becomes even more crucial.

Brand Equity
Effective branding can contribute to what’s known as brand equity—the added value that a brand name gives to a product beyond its functional benefits. High brand equity allows companies to command premium prices, contributing to improved profitability.

Market Positioning
A well-defined brand helps to position a business in the market. Whether you’re targeting medicinal or recreational consumers, gen z, millennials, baby boomers, or luxury connoisseurs, your brand helps to align your products with your target demographic.

The Top Premium Cannabis Brands Today

Through a mix of high-quality cannabis and a genius-level intuition of how branding works, the top premium brands in today’s cannabis industry raise the bar for brand identity and customer connection. It is a deep understanding of their target consumers, an ability to articulate their brand narratives, and a consistency in delivering a compelling brand vision that distinguishes them from the competition.

Along with the celebrity ventures mentioned earlier in this article, these premium cannabis brands recognize the power of branding in creating lasting impressions and fostering loyal customer relationships. Let’s take a closer look at some of these industry leaders:

Old Pal: Known for its rustic charm and communal spirit, Old Pal is a brand that resonates with the nostalgic ethos of the good old days. The brand’s focus is on simplicity and shareability, underlining the experiences that cannabis can foster. With a range of cannabis essentials, Old Pal’s straightforward, no-frills approach appeals to those who value simplicity, authenticity, and a sense of community.

Cookies: Founded by rapper and entrepreneur Berner, Cookies has earned its reputation through a commitment to innovation and premium genetics. The brand serves a diverse line of top-tier cannabis products, from strains with unique terpene profiles to concentrates and edibles. Cookies has become a global cannabis brand, recognized not only for its superior product quality, but for its distinct identity and contribution to cannabis culture.

Kiva Confections: Known for their artisanal edibles, Kiva Confections infuses culinary expertise into the world of cannabis. They cook up premium, accurately dosed edibles that appeal to health-conscious consumers who prefer alternative consumption methods.

Bespoke Post: Bespoke Post has carved out a niche for itself in the world of luxury cannabis with its meticulously curated and sophisticated products. This subscription-based service prides itself on delivering high-quality cannabis goods and accessories tailored to the discerning consumer. Each box, or “Post,” is filled with a carefully chosen selection of cannabis accessories, CBD products, and other high-end lifestyle items.

Future-Proof Your Brand for the Changing Cannabis Landscape

With cannabis, anyone operating under the rules of the past are doomed to never see the future. Adopting a forward-thinking approach and future-proofing your brand are essential tactics as we continually progress toward a fully enlightened society. This involves understanding and adapting to legislative changes, and having a profound knowledge of your target audience.

New State and Federal Legalization

The cannabis industry is undergoing a significant transformation with increasing state legalizations. More than merely expanding the market, these legalizations represent a complete shift in the industry’s legal and regulatory landscape.

This unprecedented wave of legalizations creates vast opportunities, opening new markets and customer segments. But it also brings about a set of challenges and complexities. Brands must be prepared to adjust to differing regulations across states and potential federal policies. They need to ensure compliance without compromising brand consistency and product quality.

Premium brands must be agile and anticipate regulatory trends and consumer demands. They also have to strategize for market expansion and design adaptable business models that can thrive in a regulated environment.

Know Your Target Audience

For cannabis companies, knowing your target audience means a deep dive into customers’ preferences, lifestyle, and values.

What strains do they prefer? What consumption methods do they utilize? Do they consume cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes? What’s their attitude towards cannabis and its evolving legality? Answering these questions will provide valuable insights into your customer base, helping shape a brand identity that resonates with them.

But it goes beyond understanding customer demographics and consumption habits. It’s about getting a sense of their lifestyle, their aspirations, and their worldview. It’s about crafting a brand story that they can connect with. For premium brands, this connection is essential. It’s not just about the product—it’s about creating an experience that their audience values.

Work with a Cannabis Branding Agency

Sure, cannabis branding agencies are designers and marketers—but they are also industry specialists who understand the nuances of the cannabis world. They are experts who can guide brands through the green haze of the industry, helping them craft a distinctive identity that cuts through the noise.

These agencies possess a deep understanding of the cannabis consumer—both the seasoned connoisseur and the curious newbie—and they translate this understanding into a brand narrative that resonates with the target audience. They combine industry insights with creative strategies to deliver a compelling brand story that is memorable and authentic.

In an industry as dense and competitive as cannabis, going premium means delivering on the promise of an exclusive experience, an unmatched identity, and a sense of belonging that resonates deeply with consumers. With the help of a cannabis branding agency, brands can tap into these elements, rising above the green haze, and claiming their position in this crowded marketplace.

If you're ready to elevate your cannabis brand, it's time to partner with a knowledgeable cannabis branding agency that can guide you on this journey. Let's blaze a trail together—contact us at Hybrid Marketing Co. today.

Choose Wisely: Cannabis Events Tailored to Your Target Audience and Goals

Jen Lamboy — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 06:25:41 +0000

Choose Wisely: Cannabis Events Tailored to Your Target Audience and Goals

Navigate Cannabis Events with Precision and Purpose to Maximize Your Impact.

Participating in cannabis industry events is more than just about being present; it’s about making your presence count. By understanding your target audience, defining clear goals, and tailoring an event strategy, businesses can turn these events into platforms for growth and success. With the right approach, events can offer brand exposure, valuable networking opportunities, and firsthand insights into the latest trends.

As the owner of an emerging cannabis brand, it’s understandable that you’d want to attend as many of the notable cannabis events as possible. After all, it’s where like-minded individuals gather to network with their peers in the cannabis industry. But as we’re about to learn, not all cannabis events are created equal.

Imagine this: You’ve staked out your booth at one of the industry’s most famous expos. A steady stream of attendees traverse the venue, and the room is buzzing with curiosity and interest. But as the hours pass, you begin to realize that the vast majority of attendees are consumers interested in the wellness and recreational dimensions of cannabis. That would be great, but your company specializes in state-of-the-art cultivation technology calibrated specifically for other businesses.

Suddenly, your booth is in no man’s land.

Such scenarios are not uncommon in cannabis industry events. In the scramble to gain market presence and foster networking opportunities, it’s easy to overlook one critical element: relevance.
Attending every cannabis event on the calendar won’t necessarily bear fruit. It’s about being at the right place, with the right people, for the right reasons.

Understanding your target audience, setting clear goals, and choosing events that align with these factors is essential for maximizing return on investment. So, how do you navigate this complex landscape to ensure you’re investing your time, energy, and resources wisely? Read on for a comprehensive guide on tailoring your event participation strategy in the cannabis industry.

The Importance of Cannabis Industry Events

Cannabis industry events serve as vibrant epicenters of innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Pioneering minds converge in these spaces to shape the future of this exciting and evolving industry. A heady combination of sights and sounds—not to mention aromas—fill these spaces as various strains mingle with the murmurs of intriguing conversations.

Cannabis industry events are much more than meetups or conferences—they are crucial catalysts in the dynamic ecosystem of this burgeoning industry.

Here’s why:

Brand Exposure and Image Building: These events provide the perfect platform for businesses to showcase their products, services, and innovations. They allow companies to create a tangible brand experience for attendees, thereby boosting their image and visibility.
Networking Opportunities: Industry events bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, cultivators, retailers, and enthusiasts. They offer an unparalleled opportunity to forge valuable connections, collaborate, and even spawn partnerships.
Reaching Potential Customers: Whether your business operates in the B2B or B2C sphere, events provide direct access to potential customers. They enable live product demos, interactive Q&A sessions, and offer an opportunity to make a memorable impact on your audience.
Learning and Insights: These gatherings are a hotbed of fresh ideas, latest trends, and industry advancements. Participating in such events can help you keep a pulse on the industry and provide insights to steer your business strategy.
Fostering Industry Growth: The collective power of cannabis events contributes to the overall growth of the industry. By gathering industry professionals and enthusiasts, they foster an environment conducive to sharing knowledge, challenges, and victories, ultimately pushing the industry forward.

The Most Common Types of Cannabis Industry Events

The rich tapestry of the cannabis industry is reflected in the colorful events that dot its calendar.

Some of the most common types include trade shows, expos, networking events, product launch parties, tastings, and industry conferences. Each one caters to different aspects of the industry, offering unique opportunities for engagement. Here’s a snapshot of the most common types:

Trade Shows and Expos: These are large-scale events featuring a variety of cannabis businesses from different segments of the industry. They serve as a one-stop shop for showcasing products and services, engaging with potential clients or partners, and gaining exposure.
Networking Events: These events, often more intimate and industry-specific, are designed to connect like-minded professionals. Networking events can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations.
Product Launch Parties: Designed to introduce new products or services to the market, these events offer businesses an opportunity to create a buzz and make a strong impression on potential customers or partners.
Tastings: Ideal for businesses operating in the consumer sphere, tastings provide an opportunity for brands to showcase the quality and uniqueness of their products directly to consumers.
Industry Conferences and Seminars: These events focus on education and thought leadership, providing insights into industry trends, research, regulatory updates, and more.

When you understand the distinct offering of each type of event, it gives you the power to align your participation with your business goals and extract maximum value!

Understanding Your Target Audience to Determine the Events You Should Attend or Avoid

The mission to capture and compel your target audience is a common refrain across all industries, not just in the realm of cannabis.

This is no accident. Your audience defines the people or entities that are most likely to be interested in your product or service. They could be fellow businesses (in a B2B model) or end consumers (in a B2C model). By understanding your target audience’s interests, needs, and behaviors, you can ensure your participation in events aligns with these parameters.

Defining your target audience involves considering several factors:

Demographics: This includes the age, location, and income of your potential customer. For instance, if you offer premium cannabis products, your target audience might be high-income individuals in their 30s and 40s.
Psychographics: These are the interests, lifestyles, and attitudes of your potential customers. If you specialize in wellness cannabis products, your target audience might be health-conscious individuals interested in natural remedies.
Behavior: How does your potential customer interact with cannabis products? Are they daily users or occasional users? This information can help you pinpoint events where such consumers are likely to be present.

Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, you can match this information with the most significant cannabis events to align with your business objectives.

For instance, if you’re a cultivation brand owner looking to network with industry peers and suppliers, B2B-focused events like MJBizCon or the Cannabis World Congress & Business Expo would be worth packing into your calendar. These events are teeming with industry professionals and offer numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration.

On the other hand, if you’re a dispensary owner looking to engage directly with consumers, B2C-focused events like the High Times Cannabis Cup or the Emerald Cup would be a better fit. These events attract a wide range of cannabis enthusiasts, providing an ideal platform for you to showcase your product offerings and build relationships with potential customers.

In the next section, we’ll run through a list of the most significant cannabis events and the industry personas with which they are most aligned.

The Magnificent Seven Cannabis Industry Events

MJBizCon (Las Vegas, USA)

As one of the largest cannabis conferences globally, this event is an excellent fit for B2B operators. It provides an exceptional platform for industry professionals such as cultivation brand owners, manufacturers, or ancillary service providers to network, discover the latest trends, and showcase their offerings.

Cannabis Means Business (Multiple locations, USA)

CMB brings together cannabis professionals who are focused on growth, innovation, and meaningful partnerships. The event is well-suited for operators, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to connect, exchange ideas, and stay ahead in a fast-moving market.

High Times Cannabis Cup (Multiple locations, globally)

Known for its recreational focus, this event is best suited for B2C businesses such as dispensaries and lifestyle brands. It attracts a wide array of cannabis enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities to engage directly with potential customers.

MJ Unpacked (Multiple Locations, USA)

Designed exclusively for licensed operators, brand leaders, and investors, MJ Unpacked focuses on strategic networking and business growth in the cannabis sector. The event creates a curated environment where decision-makers can connect, discover opportunities, and build lasting partnerships.

CannaCon (Multiple locations, USA)

CannaCon is one of the leading cannabis business trade shows, designed for entrepreneurs, retailers, and professionals across every sector of the industry. It’s an ideal event for brands looking to explore new products, connect with suppliers, and gain insights into cultivation, marketing, and regulatory trends.

International Cannabis Business Conference (Multiple locations, globally)

This event provides industry insights, networking, and partnership opportunities, making it suitable for cannabis industry leaders, policy makers, and entrepreneurs looking for global cannabis trends and business opportunities.

Cannabis Marketing Summit (Denver, USA)

This summit is a unique blend of marketing expertise and industry knowledge, making it an excellent fit for marketers, brand owners, and entrepreneurs looking to up their marketing game in the cannabis industry. The event offers insights into the latest marketing trends, regulatory challenges, and strategies for successfully promoting cannabis businesses.

Defining Your Goals

Just as a skilled gardener clearly envisions the end result before planting the first seed, you too must define your goals before diving into the vast landscape of cannabis industry events. Are you seeking to cultivate robust brand visibility, or do you want to sow the seeds of valuable networking connections? Perhaps your aspiration is to grow into a thought leader within the industry, or it could be that you’re gearing up to launch a fresh, groundbreaking product that will bloom in the market.

Each unique goal demands its distinct cultivation strategy. It starts from the ground up—selecting the optimal event that provides the right conditions for your goals to flourish, designing a captivating “garden” (booth) that attracts the right “pollinators” (potential customers and partners), developing engaging activities and presentations that are the lifeblood of your brand, and setting up post-event evaluations like a gardener checks the health and growth of his plants.

Don’t simply plunge your hands into the soil of the event floor without knowing what you intend to grow. Cultivate your strategy with clear goals and watch your success blossom in the fertile ground of the cannabis industry events.

Measuring Success and Return on Investment (ROI)

Gauging success at cannabis events is much like assessing the potency of your product—it’s all about quality, impact, and lasting impressions. In the business world, these elements are captured by key performance indicators (KPIs) and an ROI analysis. These tools help you determine whether your participation yielded the desired results, thereby validating your strategy or providing insights for adjustments.

Below are some KPIs that can offer valuable metrics:

Leads Generated: One of the main aims of participating in an event is to gather leads for potential business opportunities. Keeping track of how many potential customers or partners you’ve connected with can help measure the fruitfulness of your participation.
Social Media Engagement: Measure the buzz your brand created on social media during the event. Did you gain followers? Did your event-related posts receive higher engagement? Social media metrics can serve as a good indicator of brand exposure and audience interest.

Networking Contacts Made: Look at the quality and quantity of your newly made industry contacts. Have you formed relationships that could lead to future collaborations or valuable partnerships?
Feedback Received: Valuable insights can often be gleaned from the feedback provided by event attendees, whether they are potential customers, industry peers, or even competitors. This feedback can offer an understanding of your brand’s reception and areas of improvement.

On top of these KPIs, an ROI analysis is critical to evaluate the financial feasibility of your participation. Calculate the costs of event participation, including the booth, materials, travel, and personnel, and weigh these against the benefits received, such as leads generated, deals closed, and the value of exposure.

Measuring success isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Different businesses have different benchmarks, and these should align with your initial goals and objectives. By carefully reviewing your KPIs and ROI, you can ensure that your time in the cannabis event space is not only successful but also continuously improving.

Tailoring Your Event Strategy

With a clear vision of your target audience and finely tuned goals, it’s time to refine your event strategy. It’s about crafting a unique experience that resonates with your audience, reflects your brand identity, and aligns with your objectives.

Here are the vital components you should consider in your customized strategy:

Booth Design

Your booth is your storefront at the event. It’s the first interaction attendees will have with your brand. Design it to be a visual feast that captures attention and invites interaction. Remember, it should echo your brand values and aesthetics.

Branding

Consistency in branding is essential. From your booth to your presentation materials, maintain a uniform look and feel that cements your brand identity in the minds of attendees.

Presentations

Presentations offer an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and thought leadership. Make them engaging, informative, and aligned with your brand voice.

Engaging Activities

In the sea of exhibitors, stand out by offering engaging activities that align with your brand image. It could be a product demo, a game, a tasting session, or even a live Q&A session.

Social Media

Utilize social media to build pre-event hype, engage during the event, and sustain post-event connections. Live updates, behind-the-scenes stories, or event hashtags can create a buzz around your brand.

Marketing Strategies

Develop specific marketing strategies for the event, like targeted email campaigns, personalized invitations, or exclusive offers for event attendees.

Wrapping Up Your Cannabis Event Journey

Events provide fertile ground for growth, connection, and innovation—but it takes time, patience, and a little finesse. By understanding your audience, setting clear goals, refining your strategy, and measuring your success, you can transform these events into a powerhouse for business growth.

Hybrid Marketing Co. is here to support and guide you at every step—from aligning your goals with the most relevant events, to creating an engaging booth design, planning impactful presentations, and measuring your success. Contact us today and let's start shaping your unique cannabis event strategy together. Because together, we grow.

Who’s Really Buying Cannabis in 2025? (Spoiler: It’s Not Who You Think)

Jen Lamboy — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:45:26 +0000

Who’s Really Buying Cannabis in 2025? (Spoiler: It’s Not Who You Think)

Women now outpace men in cannabis consumption, Gen Z is trading alcohol for THC, and seniors are embracing the plant for discomfort and sleep.

The days of marketing to “the cannabis consumer” like they’re an unchanging monolith are over. The 2025 weed economy isn’t driven by tie-dye nostalgia or bro science anymore. Instead, it’s being reshaped by four explosive shifts:

Women are consuming more cannabis than men for the first time.
Millennials still spend the most, but they want function, not flash.
Gen Z is ditching alcohol and redefining how (and why) weed is consumed.
Seniors are quietly becoming one of the fastest-growing user groups.

If you’re still building your campaigns around old assumptions—“Boomers want nostalgia,” “men are the majority,” “Gen Z is all vapes”—you’re out of touch and you’re probably burning money in fruitless campaigns.

Let’s break it down.

Why Women Are Cannabis's Fastest-Growing Market Segment

Let’s kill the myth that women are some niche, “emerging” cannabis audience. That moment passed.

According to “Monitoring the Future” data reported by Forbes, women aged 19–30 consumed more cannabis than men for the first time in 2023. That’s what we would call a market reset. And it most certainly isn’t limited to young women.

We’re talking medical patients, working moms, wellness seekers, retired grandmothers, etc. Instead of the old cliche that women only dabble here and there, they’re actually driving entire product categories.

What's Actually Drawing Women to Cannabis?

Stress is off the charts. Between work, parenting, caregiving, and trying to survive this era of burnout, women aren’t looking to get stoned. They’re looking to come down.
Sleep is a crisis. Late-night doomscrolling and hormone-driven insomnia are leading more women to turn to gummies, tinctures, and CBD-heavy blends to finally rest.
Booze is out. The “wine mom” era is fading. Women are leading the Cali sober movement, swapping chardonnay for 5mg of THC that won’t leave them hungover or bloated.
It’s a ritual, not a rebellion. Women aren’t trying to relive the rebellious weed highs of the ‘70s. They’re looking for balance, clarity, control, and cannabis that fits into their daily routine.

So, if your brand still treats women as an afterthought or slaps pink on a preroll and calls it innovation, it’s embarrassingly outdated.

Millennials Are Still the Biggest Cannabis Spenders (And Here's Why)

Gen Z might be louder (and deeply inscrutable), but Millennials are still holding the bag. The one that’s full of dispensary receipts.

Millennials (born 1981–1996) remain the top-spending cannabis demographic in 2025. According to Flowhub and Headset data, Millennials consistently account for the largest share of legal cannabis purchases across formats and product types.

So why are they still the financial backbone of the industry?

They’re in their peak earning years. Mid-30s to mid-40s means steady income and more fluid spending habits.
They’re loyal. When Millennials find a brand that works, they stick with it.
They’re pragmatic. Wellness and lifestyle matter, but so does getting bang for their buck.

One thing Millennials aren’t chasing is the highest THC punch. They want control, consistency, and clarity in their products of choice. Also, let’s be real, they’re tired. Between parenting, work, inflation, life’s daily absurdities, and a never-ending black parade of macabre historical events, Millennials care more about getting through than getting high.

Preferred formats:

Edibles that actually taste good
Low-dose beverages that don’t mimic frat house energy drinks
Topicals and tinctures for chronic pain, anxiety, or burnout

If your marketing talks to Millennials like they’re wide-eyed newbies, you’ve missed the shift. Rather than curious first-timers, they’re savvy shoppers who want products that work without having to consult a gatekeeping budtender.

Gen Z Is Ditching Alcohol for Weed and the Numbers Prove It

If Millennials normalized cannabis, Gen Z made it as ubiquitous as booze was to Boomers.

Gen Z (born 1997–2012) doesn’t see cannabis as countercultural or a rebellious path for ne’er-do-wells. To them, it’s a practical and safe space. According to Headset data reported by Flowhub, Gen Z is now the fastest-growing cohort in legal cannabis sales, with many in the group already integrating cannabis into their daily lives. What’s more, a 2024 CBS News survey found that among people age 18–24, 69% prefer our favorite plant to alcohol.

The Real Reasons Gen Z Chooses Cannabis Over Cocktails

Further evidence that comes from New Frontier Data says that 56% of 18–24-year-olds reported replacing alcohol with cannabis. But why the shift? Here’s some breadcrumbs:

They’re anxious. Gen Z lives in a constant state of economic, social, and existential tension. Cannabis is a pressure valve, not a party drug.
Alcohol feels outdated. They’ve watched alcohol wreck older generations. Weed is seen as safer, cleaner, and way more manageable.
They want control. Microdosing is more of a preference than trend. They want to feel something, not everything.
They live online. A stoned selfie is chill. A drunk one? The epitome of cringe. Cannabis fits the curated reality of TikTok, Instagram, and beyond.

They’re also way more experimental than other age groups. They’ll try the new gummy, the weird new flavor, the strange new cannabinoid. But don’t expect brand loyalty. If your vibe feels fake, they’re gone.

For brands, this means:

Kill the corporate speak
Stop trying to be cool
Get real or get ignored

Gen Z doesn’t want to be marketed to. They want to see themselves reflected honestly, creatively, and without pandering.

Plot Twist: Your Grandparents Are Getting High Too

Forget the stereotypes. Seniors aren’t timid about weed. They’re walking in with bad joints, strong opinions, and a soft spot for softgels.

According to recent data, cannabis consumption among adults aged 65 and older has jumped by nearly 46% in just two years, rising from 4.8% in 2021 to 7% in 2023. This demonstrates a real shift in how older Americans manage pain, sleep, and aging without leaning so hard on prescriptions. But they don’t want to feel high. They want to feel better.

Why Seniors Are Embracing Cannabis (and What They Want)

Chronic pain is constant. Arthritis, back issues, nerve pain. For these ailments, most traditional meds come with brutal side effects. Cannabis offers relief without the gut rot.
They want sleep. Seniors are desperate for quality rest. Low-dose THC and CBD blends are helping them get it without dependency on prescription sedatives.
They’re replacing pharmaceuticals. From anxiety meds to opioids, older consumers are seeking more natural ways to feel better. Cannabis is on the shortlist.

This is a demographic that:

Doesn’t trust brands that look like candy
Won’t touch anything labeled “party”
Reads the back of the label more than the front

So give them:

Low-dose capsules and softgels they can take like vitamins
Tinctures with droppers and clear instructions
Topicals that don’t smell like bong water

And don’t assume they’re clueless. Seniors aren’t afraid of cannabis. They’re afraid of looking stupid or getting the dosage wrong. Meet them with respect, clarity, and products that make them feel in control.

How to Market to These Four Very Different Groups

One plant, four wildly different audiences. Here’s how to connect with each demographic:

Gen Z

Speak their language. Short-form video, memes, and brutally honest content.
Forget brand loyalty. Win them over with vibe, not heritage.
Create for curiosity. They want experiences. That means new cannabinoids, bold flavors, and social consumption.

Marketing play: TikTok-driven storytelling, pop-up collabs with lifestyle brands, influencer UGC that doesn’t feel like an ad.

Millennials

Lead with purpose. This group spends with intention and loves a values-driven brand.
Focus on wellness. They’re not chasing a high. They want relief, ritual, and convenience.
Make life easier. Clear dosing, sleek packaging, and multi-function products hit the mark.

Marketing play: Email newsletters with product education, loyalty programs that reward consistency, and in-store experiences that feel elevated and not hokey.

Women

Segment by need-state. Don’t talk to all women the same way. A working mom and a college student are shopping for very different reasons.
Address real-life use cases. Stress after a long day. Insomnia. Alcohol replacement. Pain relief.
Representation matters. If your branding still screams “dude culture,” you’re invisible.

Marketing play: Collaborate with creators in fitness, parenting, wellness, and recovery communities. Build campaigns around lifestyle without watering down the message.

Seniors

Keep it simple. No neon branding. No slang. Just helpful, respectful design.
Education is everything. Clear dosage guides, support staff who know how to talk to them, and content that doesn’t assume prior cannabis knowledge.
Trust is the currency. Medical alignment, consistent effects, and professional packaging all matter.

Marketing play: In-store demos, pharmacist-led events, print-friendly educational guides, and partnerships with healthcare professionals.

What Each Generation Wants from Their Cannabis

Different groups shop for different reasons. Here’s what matters most to each, and the products they tend to reach for:

Generation	What They’re Looking For	Preferred Products
Gen Z	Novelty, social appeal, and something to take the edge off	Vapes, edibles, infused beverages
Millennials	Practical wellness, daily support, and alignment with personal values	Edibles, topicals, low-dose flower
Women	Relief, routine, and a reliable alcohol substitute	Microdose gummies, CBD blends, tinctures
Seniors	Pain reduction, better sleep, and straightforward guidance	Capsules, softgels, topicals, 1:1 tinctures

Where Cannabis Marketing Is Headed (Hint: Think Female-First)

We’ve done the research and followed the data. We’ve listened to buyers, budtenders, brand leads, and everyday consumers. When you look at the full picture, from the numbers to the trends to the firsthand stories, it all points in one direction. Cannabis marketing in 2025 needs to start with women.

This doesn’t mean slapping a softer color palette on your label or launching a “for her” product line. It means building your entire approach around what women want from cannabis and how they’re already consuming it.

Here’s what that looks like:

Lead with needs, not noise. Sleep, stress, pain, focus, recovery. These are real concerns, not trends. Frame your messaging around real-life use, not just vibes.
Educate instead of assuming. Many of the women buying cannabis today didn’t grow up with it. They’re smart, curious, and cautious. Give them clear info, real guidance, and zero condescension.
Design like it matters. Good packaging doesn’t have to be feminine. It has to be readable, trustworthy, and easy to navigate. Less clutter, more clarity.
Make the experience easier. Whether they’re juggling kids, caregiving, chronic pain, or just long days, most female consumers are short on time and patience. The path from curiosity to purchase should feel smooth, not stressful.
Tap into real trust networks. Women are more likely to try a product recommended by someone they know. Peer reviews, creator content, and honest storytelling outperform generic ads every time.

With everything we’ve seen in the numbers and everything we’ve heard on the ground, the future of cannabis marketing isn’t a mystery. All signs point in the same direction. Build for real people, build for actual needs, and above all, start by putting women first.

Ready to rethink your strategy around real cannabis consumers?

The Top Cannabis Trade Shows & Conventions to Attend in 2025

Jen Lamboy — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:21:10 +0000

The Top Cannabis Trade Shows & Conventions to Attend in 2025

The crucial cannabis industry events to attend in 2025 for networking, deal-making, and staying ahead.

Staying ahead in the cannabis industry means being in the right rooms with the right people at the right time. Whether you’re scaling a brand, scouting investments, or sharpening your competitive edge, these events are where it all happens. Pack your business cards and expand your tolerance levels. 2025 is the year of big hits and bigger moves.

The Biggest Cannabis Industry Events for 2025

If cannabis pays your bills (or you want it to), these events belong on your calendar.

Top USA Cannabis Events

CannaDataCon

Feb 6-7, 2025 | Miami Beach, FL

CannaDataCon brings together regulators, innovators, and industry leaders for two days of high-level, impactful discussions. Expect collaborative problem-solving, cross-industry insights, and real talk on profitability and consumer impact. Whether you attend in person or via livestream, this is where the brains behind the industry come to connect.

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference – Chicago

June 8-10, 2025 | Chicago, IL

If you want to raise capital, close deals, or get in front of top investors, Benzinga is where you do it. With 120+ thought leaders, prominent cannabis executives, and serious investment power all in one place, this event is laser-focused on funding the next big thing in cannabis. You’ll find hard-hitting panels, exclusive networking, and real opportunities to meet the investors and operators moving the market.

Hemp Beverage Expo

July 9-11, 2025 | Atlanta, GA

The first and only trade show dedicated exclusively to hemp beverages featuring delta-9 THC—and unlike other industry expos, sampling is not off-limits. HBE is where distributors, retailers, and investors meet the fastest-growing brands in hemp-infused drinks. If you want to expand distribution, find investors, or connect with the right partners to scale your hemp beverage business, this is where the industry takes center stage.

Texas Package Stores Association Convention

July 26-28, 2025 | San Antonio, TX

No, this isn’t a cannabis event—but hear us out. The biggest gathering of alcohol retailers and suppliers in Texas is a goldmine for anyone playing in cannabis beverages, THC-infused drinks, or crossover markets. With top-tier networking, supplier showcases, and a front-row seat to the future of regulated beverages, TPSA is worth a stop if you’re thinking beyond dispensary shelves.

NECANN New Jersey

Sept 5-6, 2025 | Atlantic City, NJ

The largest cannabis conference in the Mid-Atlantic, NECANN New Jersey boasts 200+ exhibitors, 5,000+ attendees, and dedicated tracks for social equity, investment, and emerging brands. It’s a must-attend event for licensed operators, retailers, and decision-makers, across the country, especially on the East Coast. Whether you’re scouting the competition, looking for funding, or expanding your business, this is where New Jersey’s cannabis power players come to connect.

Great American Beer Festival

Oct 9-11, 2025 | Denver, CO

Yes, this is a beer festival. But if you think cannabis beverages aren’t edging their way into the craft drink scene, you haven’t been paying attention. The largest beer competition in the U.S. is also home to cocktails, ciders, hard teas, and THC-infused beverages—meaning there’s plenty of opportunity for networking, trend-spotting, and finding new distribution channels. Plus, if you enjoy world-class beer along the way…call it market research.

Business of Cannabis: New York

Nov 6, 2025 | New York, NY

New York’s cannabis market is exploding, and Business of Cannabis: New York is where the people shaping it gather to make moves. With 400+ industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, this event is a one-day look into investment strategies, retail expansion, and policy changes. If you want to scale in the New York market or understand the financial landscape, this is where you need to be.

MJBizCon

Dec 2-5, 2025 | Las Vegas Convention Center

MJBizCon is the ultimate cannabis industry gathering, drawing more than 30,000 professionals from across the globe. With 1,400+ exhibitors, 100+ speakers, and three days of non-stop networking, it’s where deals get made, partnerships form, and the future of cannabis takes shape. If you’re serious about scaling your business, this is the show you can’t afford to miss.

NCIA’s 13th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days and National Stakeholder Summit

May 13-15, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

NCIA’s 13th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days & National Stakeholder Summit is an opportunity to be on the front lines of cannabis policy. With a focus on federal rescheduling, taxation, and regulations, this event connects industry leaders, advocates, and policymakers to drive change while building high-value relationships.

CannaCon Northeast

June 12-13, 2025 | Rochester, NY

New York’s legal cannabis market is booming, and CannaCon Northeast is the place to be if you want a piece of the action and a spot at the table. Expect industry insights, cutting-edge tech, and an exhibitor floor packed with opportunities to build your network in one of the country’s most exciting emerging markets.

CannaCon Midwest

Aug 12-13, 2025 | St. Paul, MN

Now for a little midwest hospitality. The region’s cannabis industry is heating up, and CannaCon Midwest is the go-to event for entrepreneurs looking to break into this fast-growing market. With adult-use sales launching in 2025, this is your chance to get in early and make valuable connections.

Lucky Leaf Expo

May 30-31, 2025 | Louisville, KY

With Kentucky’s medical cannabis program rolling out and adult-use legislation in the works, this event is perfectly timed for those looking to get ahead of the curve. Lucky Leaf Kentucky brings together industry experts, investors, and entrepreneurs eager to shape the state’s budding market.

Cannabis Drinks Expo

May 22-23, 2025 | Chicago, IL

If you’re in the cannabis-infused beverage space, this is your Shangri-La. The Cannabis Drinks Expo unites brand owners, producers, distributors, and retailers under one roof to discuss trends, innovation, and the future of infused beverages in the U.S.

Cannabis Means Business Conference

June 4-5, 2025 | New York, NY

Formerly the Cannabis World Congress & Business Expo, CMB is all about serious business. Expect expert-led panels, product showcases, and workshops designed to help you sharpen your competitive edge in the cannabis space.

National Cannabis Festival

July 18-19, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

This event goes beyond a cannabis conference and explodes into a full-blown cultural experience. With concerts, advocacy sessions, a Grower’s World expo, and themed lounges, NCF is where cannabis professionals and enthusiasts come together to celebrate, educate, and advocate.

NECANN Boston

March 21-22, 2025 | Boston, MA

The largest B2B cannabis convention on the East Coast, NECANN Boston is where industry leaders, investors, and brands connect. With 300+ exhibitors and an entire track dedicated to psychedelics, this is where the future of the industry is being shaped.

MJ Unpacked

Apr 29 – May 1, 2025 | Atlantic City, NJ

This highly curated event is designed exclusively for cannabis license holders, investors, and top-tier professionals. It’s an unmatched opportunity to network with key decision-makers and access capital to scale your business.

Flower Expo

March 25, 2025 | Chicago, IL

June 4-5, 2025 | Northampton, MA

Aug 27-28, 2025 | Allegan, MI

Flower Expo is where cannabis culture and business collide. This high-energy event blends networking, product sampling, and industry advocacy in a setting that feels more like a movement than a trade show. With a focus on social equity, innovation, and real connections, it’s the spot to meet the people shaping the future of cannabis.

Hall of Flowers Ventura

March 19-20, 2025 | Ventura, CA

B2B meets the beach. Hall of Flowers is where California’s top cannabis brands and buyers come to talk shop, strike deals, and shape the industry’s future. With 250+ brands, 1,000+ retailers, and an exclusive invite-only crowd, this isn’t just another expo—it’s the epicenter of serious networking, premium product discovery, and high-level deal-making in the heart of the world’s biggest cannabis market.

Top International Cannabis Events

ICBC (International Cannabis Business Conference)

March 13, 2025 | Barcelona, Spain

April 29-30, 2025 | Berlin, Germany

2025 Date TBA | Slovenia

The biggest B2B cannabis event in Europe—and a gateway to the global market. ICBC brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from 80+ countries for high-level networking, game-changing insights, and the inside track on international cannabis trends. If you’re looking to expand beyond borders, make sure your passport is up to date.

Spannabis

March 14-16, 2025 | Barcelona, Spain

A premier cannabis gathering in Europe and a must-attend for industry pros and enthusiasts alike. Spannabis is where cutting-edge tech meets cannabis culture, featuring hundreds of exhibitors, expert panels, and the latest in cultivation, hydroponics, and industrial applications. Whether you’re here to network, discover innovations, or just soak in the scene, this is where the global cannabis community comes together.

Cannabis Europa

June 24-25, 2025 | London, UK

The power players of European cannabis all in one room. Cannabis Europa is where investors, policymakers, and industry leaders come together to shape the future of legalization, business, and investment across the continent. This is the event to expand your footprint, influence policy, or connect with the top minds in European cannabis.

GreenTech Amsterdam

June 10-12, 2025 | Amsterdam, Netherlands

GreenTech Amsterdam is the epicenter of horticulture innovation. The event explores AI-driven farming, climate control, medicinal cannabis advancements, and sustainable cultivation. This is the place to go if you want to find next-generation solutions to optimize your grow.

Mary Jane Berlin

June 10-12, 2025 | Amsterdam, Netherlands

Part trade show, part festival—all cannabis. With 500+ exhibitors, live music, and cutting-edge product showcases, Mary Jane Berlin is Europe’s most vibrant cannabis event. From the latest tech to the best new products hitting the market, this is where cannabis culture and business collide.

CannMed Innovation & Investment Summit

June 17-20, 2025 | Puerto Rico

Founded at Harvard, CannMed is a hub for pioneering research, biotech innovation, and serious capital. Focusing on scientific breakthroughs and high-impact investments, it is the summit for those shaping the next frontier of medical cannabis.

Why Cannabis Industry Events Matter for Businesses

You can only learn so much from behind a screen. Cannabis is a relationship-driven industry, and these events put you in the room with the people making things happen. You could lock in distribution deals, secure investment, or just get the latest market intel straight from the source—whatever the case, showing up gives you a competitive edge.

Here’s why these events should be on your radar:

Face-to-Face Networking: Zoom calls are fine, but nothing beats a handshake (or a well-timed sesh).
Market Insights: Stay ahead of policy changes, consumer trends, and emerging product categories before they become mainstream.
Business Growth: Meet buyers, suppliers, and investors who can help take your operation to the next level.
New Tech & Innovations: From new-fangled cultivation methods to next-gen infused products, this is where you’ll see the future of cannabis in action.
Regulatory and Compliance Updates: You’re already behind if you don’t keep up with the latest rules and restrictions.

Skipping out means missing opportunities, partnerships, and the chance to see where the industry is heading.

How to Get the Most Out of Cannabis Industry Events

Walking into a cannabis expo without a plan is like showing up at a dispensary with no idea what you want—you’ll probably waste time, overspend, and forget why you came in the first place. Instead, go in with a strategy:

Set Clear Goals: Are you here to meet investors, find distributors, or scope the competition? Know your objectives before you walk in.
Plan Your Meetings: Big shows can quickly become chaotic. Schedule key conversations beforehand so you won’t be stuck playing catch-up.
Work the Floor: Talk to exhibitors, sample products, and introduce yourself to people who can move the needle for your business.
Attend the Right Panels: Avoid the fluff and focus on sessions that impact your business, like regulatory updates, investment trends, and retail innovations.
Network Smarter: Some of the best connections happen after hours. Attend the mixers, afterparties, and side events where the real deals happen.
Follow Up: Yes, people still use business cards. Don’t let them collect dust. Follow up, schedule calls, and keep the momentum going.

Where Will You Be When the Industry Moves Forward?

The cannabis industry doesn’t wait for anyone. The brands, investors, and innovators shaping its future are building connections, closing deals, and staying ahead of the curve. This is your chance to be in the right place at the right time. Pick your events, pack your bags, and get ready to be part of what’s next.

The Best Cannabis Marketing Agencies

Aaron Rosenbluth — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 18:55:22 +0000

The Best Cannabis Marketing Agencies

Colorado got the ball rolling on legal cannabis back in 2012, and as of 2025, 24 states and Washington, D.C. have followed suit, letting adults enjoy weed without the legal headache. Federal legalization is still in limbo, but the conversation is louder than ever. Meanwhile, new cannabis businesses keep popping up, ready to make their mark once the laws catch up.

“BDSA forecasts sales to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% from 2023 to 2028, resulting in a $58 billion market by 2028. The growth of legal cannabis sales has been largely driven by U.S. markets, and particularly fueled by the adult-use channel.” - BDSA Forecasts Legal U.S. Cannabis Market To Reach $58 Billion in 2028

With more cannabis businesses comes a greater need for specialized cannabis marketing.

And marijuana is fickle. Our industry is the modern-day business equivalent of the Wild West (at least until corporate interests take over). Cannabis cowboys (that’s us), stigmatized consumers, confused weed newbies, and vague marketing rules and state regulations, make for an intricate and befuddling web of uncertainty.

You have a lot of options when it comes to cannabis marketing agencies, and most aren’t familiar with confusing marijuana marketing regulations. Of those who are, too many aren’t creative enough to come up with new solutions and workarounds.

Still, there are a good number of cannabis marketing agencies that can deliver on what their website copy promises. Here are our top picks.

Hybrid Marketing Co.

Hybrid is the best cannabis marketing agency in North America.

We understand that every cannabis brand is unique and deserves an individualized approach. Our team of cannabis cowboys craft one-of-a-kind solutions that break the mold for dispensaries, processors, vendors, and cultivators and amplifies their reach in an increasingly competitive (and cutthroat) marketplace.

We help cannabis businesses to turn complex challenges into clear outcomes through strategy, creativity, and marketing expertise. Hybrid creates transformative business solutions. It just so happens that we use marketing as our foundation.

Services We Offer

Best at: End-to-end marketing and cannabis branding for clients who know they need help, but aren’t sure where to start.

PufCreativ

PufCreativ, from Denver, Colorado, is a relatively young cannabis marketing agency (founded in 2017), but with the capabilities of a tenured marketing organization. They work with cannabis businesses to develop advertising solutions and marketing strategies and specialize in content creation, social media management, design, branding, and more.

From Puf Creative: “PufCreativ is a creative marijuana marketing firm that creates strategies and advertising solutions for your cannabis or CBD brand.”

Good at: Still photography and quick-turn content.

Cannabis Creative

Cannabis Creative is a cannabis-focused marketing (#Duh) agency based in Newton, Massachusetts. They provide “performance-based marketing solutions” for cannabis businesses and specialize in SEO, web design, and digital marketing.

From Cannabis Creative: “We have boosted exposure for clients in diverse industries both locally and nationally, and we can help cannabis-based businesses of all stripes, from cultivators to dispensaries to ancillary service providers, reach a broader market and succeed in this ever-expanding field.”

Good at: Packaging design and social media.

Benevolent Mercenaries

Benevolent Mercenaries is a marketing agency that knows how to fight for a good cause. They mix smart marketing with a deep understanding of policy to help important issues get the spotlight they deserve. This team makes sure their clients stand out and make a real difference.

What people say about them: “Benevolent Mercenaries is different from the rest. They don’t just help you sell; they help you stand for something.”

They’re really good at: Getting your message out there in a big way.

Cannaverse Solutions

The seasoned bi-coastal Cannaverse Solutions team shapes, creates, crafts, and pioneers products and services across the full-spectrumof cannabis. They specialize in branding and strategy, marketing activation, web design, social media marketing, and custom packaging.

From Cannaverse: “We stand for the powerful benefits of cannabis. We build brands that represent positive change.”

Good at: E-commerce tools and tactics.

Grasslands

Grasslands is a cannabis-focused, “journalism-minded” PR and marketing firm passionate about storytelling and client success. Led by a team of seasoned journalists, Grasslands specializes in public relations, thought leadership, and content strategy and execution. Their journalistic background allows them to uncover and communicate brand stories that resonate, ensuring their clients’ messages reach the appropriate audiences.

From Grasslands: “We lead with transparency, authenticity, and journalism-mindedness. We are driven by strategy, big ideas, and results.”

They’re really good at: Crafting compelling narratives and positioning their clients as thought leaders in cannabis, hemp, CPG, and wellness. They also throw a decent party.

Greenlit Agency

Greenlit is a cannabis marketing agency based in Hollywood, California. GreenLit collaborates with marijuana entrepreneurs to activate brand identities, websites, digital marketing strategies, packaging design, and more. Their consultative process identifies the client’s strengths, eliminates their weaknesses, and reveals opportunities for business growth inside the competitive cannabis landscape.

What people say about them: “Greenlit is a creative cannabis marketing agency. It’s our goal to work collaboratively with you to build a unique brand that stands out in the saturated recreational cannabis marketplace.”

Good at: High-end video production.

High Hopes

HIGHOPES is a cannabis branding agency specializing in branding, web design, and marketing. Since 2016, their team of advocates, creatives, and strategists has helped cannabis businesses stand out. Services include packaging design, website development, and strategic marketing.

What people say about them: “HIGHOPES guided us from the start, delivering a seamless website design and strategy that boosted our traction and sales.” – Peyton, VidaCann

They’re really good at: Creating standout cannabis brands, designing impactful packaging, and building websites that convert.

The Flower Agency

The Flower Agency is an omni-channel digital marketing firm dedicated to helping cannabis brands and retailers expand their digital footprint in a fully compliant environment. Founded in 2019 by industry veterans Irfan Bhola and Harrison Rosenblum, who collectively bring over 25 years of experience with brands like Spotify, Grubhub, and Uber, the agency offers a holistic approach to marketing. Their services encompass programmatic advertising, SEO/SEM, and social media and influencer marketing, specific to the cannabis industry.

What people say about them: “The Flower Agency’s expertise in omni-channel marketing has been instrumental in elevating our brand’s digital presence.”

They’re really good at: Creating marketing strategies that drive customer acquisition and brand growth within cannabis.

Sister Merci

Sister Merci is a strategy-led creative agency specializing in bold branding for highly regulated and emerging industries. Their expertise spans strategy, design, and experiential marketing, offering services like customer research, brand naming, visual identity, packaging, and content production.

What people say about them: “Sister Merci’s radical creativity has redefined our brand, making us stand out in a crowded market.”

They’re really good at: Developing distinctive brand identities and executing creative campaigns that challenge cultural norms and accelerate emerging industries.

ESBE Marketing

ESBE is a woman-owned and operated agency specializing in creating and managing customer loyalty programs for cannabis brands and retailers. With over 20 years of marketing experience across various industries, they offer services including loyalty performance audits, Alpine IQ platform setup, full-service loyalty management, and custom program creation.

What people say about them: “ESBE Marketing’s expertise in loyalty programs has significantly boosted our customer retention and sales.”

They’re really good at: Designing and managing loyalty programs that enhance customer engagement and drive sales growth.

Rose & Gold

Rose & Gold is a full-service digital marketing agency focused on executing meaningful branded content and campaigns for forward-thinking brands. Their comprehensive services include brand strategy, digital marketing, and web development, aimed at driving progress and creating impactful marketing experiences.

What people say about them: “Rose & Gold’s quick turnaround, attention to detail, and deep understanding of our brand have been invaluable.”

They’re really good at: Developing strategic and creative marketing solutions that make brands and causes more meaningful to the people they serve.

With paid digital ads off the table (for the most part), and inconsistent state-by-state advertising regulations, digging through google results for the best cannabis marketing agencies can feel like searching for a glimmering needle in the proverbial haystack. Hopefully, this list makes the search faster for you. And if you want to call it a day and partner with us, we’re ready. Get in touch - let’s do great work together.

Cannabis Marketing Guidelines by State

Jen Lamboy — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 13:39:36 +0000

Cannabis Marketing Guidelines by State

Everything you need to know about advertising for cannabis across the country.

With shifting rules that differ dramatically from state to state, it’s challenging to understand cannabis marketing laws across the U.S. This guide makes everything clear, detailing the nuances of cannabis marketing laws from one state to the next.

Whether you’re in a fully legal, medically legal, or differently regulated state, this is your go-to resource.

Cannabis Marketing Regulation for Fully Legal States

Alaska

Signage Regulations: Comply with local government laws on sign size, number, and placement. In areas without local government, signs must not violate specific Alaska Statutes. Signs that meet these requirements are not considered advertising.
Advertisement Requirements: Include the business name and license number. Ads that only contain business information, with no cannabis product details or images outside of the logo, are exempt from warning statements.
Logo and Advertisement Content: Cannot contain false or misleading statements. Should not promote excessive consumption. Cannot claim curative or therapeutic effects. Must not depict individuals under 21 consuming cannabis. Cannot appeal to those under 21. No cartoons or toys.
Placement Restrictions for Ads: Not within 1,000 feet of child-centered facilities, publicly owned or operated properties, or substance abuse treatment facilities.
Mandatory Warning Statements: Include warnings about intoxication, impairment, health risks, adult use only, and advisories for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Print ads need visual contrast; audio ads require intelligible audio.
Web Advertisement: Websites advertising cannabis must verify visitors are 21+.
Location-Based Marketing: Prohibited unless it’s through a mobile app with an opt-out feature, installed by a device owner who is 21 or older.
Event Sponsorship: Permissible for events like trade shows, charitable events, and concerts, provided no more than 30% of attendees are under 21, and with board approval.
Sales Promotion Restrictions: Cannot use games or competitions related to cannabis consumption. No promotional materials that would appeal particularly to children.

Arizona

Advertising Authorization: Only a licensed cannabis establishment or nonprofit medical cannabis dispensary may authorize advertising.
Identification in Advertising: Ads must clearly and accurately identify the responsible cannabis establishment or dispensary by name and license or registration number.
Age Verification for Direct Communication: Any direct communication or dialogue-based advertising must verify recipients are 21 or older. Age verification methods may include user confirmation, birth date disclosure, or other registration methods.
Restrictions on Delivery and Order Solicitation: Only licensed establishments or dual licensees are allowed to facilitate the delivery of cannabis or cannabis products, solicit or accept orders for cannabis or cannabis products, and operate a listing service related to the sale or delivery of cannabis products.
Disciplinary Actions: Cannabis establishments found to be in violation are subject to disciplinary actions according to specific Arizona statutes.
Civil Penalties for Unauthorized Advertising: Any individual or entity, other than a licensed establishment or dispensary, advertising cannabis products in violation of these regulations faces a $20,000 fine per violation. Fines contribute to the Smart and Safe Arizona Fund. Enforcement of this penalty may be carried out by the attorney general.

California

Advertise and Advertisement: Encompasses all forms of communication intended to induce sales of cannabis, excluding product labels and unpaid editorials not influenced by licensees.
Licensee Identification Required: All advertisements must legibly identify the responsible licensee by name and license number, including on technology platforms and outdoor advertising.
Audience Age Restriction: Advertising is permitted only where at least 71.6% of the audience is expected to be 21 years of age or older, based on reliable data.
Age Verification: Direct marketing communications must include a method to verify the recipient is at least 21 years old, such as user confirmation or birth date disclosure.
Accurate and Substantiated Advertising: All advertising must be truthful and not misleading.
False or Misleading Marketing: Marketing cannot be false, misleading, or create an impression of health benefits without evidence.
Inconsistent Branding and Statements: Advertising must not contradict product labeling.
Misleading Geographic Origin: Ads cannot falsely imply cannabis originates from a specific region unless verified on the product label.
Billboard Restrictions: Advertising on billboards on interstate highways or state highways crossing into California is prohibited.
Underage Appeal: Marketing must not encourage consumption by individuals under 21 or be designed to appeal to children.
Proximity to Sensitive Areas: Ads cannot be placed within 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, day care centers, or youth centers.
No Free Cannabis Products: Licensees are prohibited from giving away cannabis or cannabis products as part of promotions.
Health-Related Advertising: Any health claims in advertising must be truthful and not misleading.
Internal Advertising Exceptions: Advertising inside a licensed premise is allowed, provided it is not visible from public spaces and does not target individuals under 21.

Colorado

Truth in Advertising: Cannabis businesses must not engage in advertising that is deceptive, false, or misleading in any way.
Risk Notices Required: Advertisements for cannabis concentrates must include notices about the potential risks of overconsumption.
Minimum Audience Age: Cannabis businesses can advertise through TV, radio, print, or internet only if at least 71.6% of the audience is expected to be 21 or older.
No Underage Targeting: Direct advertising and marketing to persons under 21 is prohibited.
No Unsubstantiated Safety Claims: Businesses may not claim their products are safe due to state regulation.
Local Ordinances: Businesses must comply with local laws regulating signs and advertising.
State Law Compliance: All state laws, including the Outdoor Advertising Act, must be followed.
Distance from Sensitive Areas: No advertising on outdoor signs within 500 feet of schools, places of worship, or public playgrounds.
No Underage Appeal: No advertising content should target individuals under 21, including the use of cartoon characters.
Restrictions on Location-Based Marketing: Marketing directed toward location-based devices is allowed only with a mobile app installed by the device’s owner, who must be 21 or older, and includes an opt-out feature.
No Pop-Up Ads: Unsolicited pop-up advertising on the internet is prohibited.
Sponsorship Age Verification: Businesses may sponsor events but cannot engage in advertising at those events unless there is reliable evidence that 71.6% of the audience is 21 or older.

Connecticut

Age-Appropriate Advertising: Ads must not target or appeal to individuals under 21, including using spokespersons, celebrities, or characters that appeal to those under the legal age.
No Cannabis Plant Images: Ads cannot use images or representations of the cannabis plant or its parts.
Distance From Sensitive Areas: No billboard advertising within 1,500 feet of schools, houses of worship, child care centers, playgrounds, public parks, or libraries. Billboards are also restricted from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Majority Age Audience: Advertising through any medium requires evidence that at least 90% of the audience is 21 or older.
Mobile Marketing: Location-based marketing is permitted only with a mobile app installed by a device owner who is 21 or older that includes opt-out features and age warnings.
No Unsubstantiated Health Claims: Ads cannot claim or imply therapeutic effects unless substantiated or conveyed by a licensed pharmacist or medical practitioner.
Age Limit for Audience: Events sponsored by cannabis businesses must have reliable evidence that no more than 10% of the audience is under 21.
Visibility Restrictions: No visible ads within 500 feet of schools, child care centers, playgrounds, public parks, or libraries.
No Encouragement of Illegal Activity: Ads must not encourage the transportation of cannabis across state lines or other illegal activities.
Dispensary and Pharmacy Terms: Cannabis businesses cannot use the term “dispensary” or imply they are a pharmacy if they are not.
Public Vehicle and Venue Ads: No advertising on public or private vehicles or at transportation venues like bus stops or train stations.
Exterior Display Restrictions: Cannabis, its products, or plant imagery cannot be visible from outside the establishment. No exterior signs displaying cannabis plant images.
No Loudspeaker Ads: Using a radio or loudspeaker for advertising cannabis sales is prohibited.
Age Verification for Websites: Websites must verify users are 21 or older.
Advertising Warning: Ads must include a warning not to use cannabis if under 21 and to keep it away from children, taking up at least 10% of the ad space in print or visual mediums and easily intelligible in audio mediums.
Outdoor Signage Rules: Outdoor signs are exempt from certain restrictions if they only contain the name and logo of the establishment, do not use cannabis plant images, consist of no more than three colors, and are located on the premises or commercial property occupied by multiple tenants including the cannabis establishment.
Brand Name Restrictions: The department may not register brand names that are misleading, identical to non-cannabis products, obscene, or associated with persons under 21.

Illinois

Truthfulness Required: No false or misleading statements or illustrations.
Against Overconsumption: Cannot promote overconsumption of cannabis.
No Depiction of Consumption: No showing the actual consumption of cannabis products.
Age Restrictions: Cannot depict anyone under 21 consuming cannabis.
Health Claims: No health, medicinal, or therapeutic claims about cannabis.
Cannabis Imagery: No images of cannabis leaves or buds.
Appeal to Minors: Cannot include images appealing to minors like cartoons, toys, or any likeness to child-friendly characters.
Distance from Sensitive Areas: No advertising within 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, recreation centers, child care centers, public parks, libraries, or game arcades not restricted to ages 21 and over.
Public Transit and Property: No ads on public transit vehicles/shelters or publicly owned/operated properties.
Misleading Information and Minor Appeal: No ads with false information, promoting excessive consumption, depicting underage consumption, cannabis imagery, or appealing to minors.
Educational Content: Restrictions do not apply to messages with an educational purpose regarding cannabis.
No Free Cannabis: Cannot encourage sales by giving away cannabis products.
No Games or Competitions: No conducting games or competitions related to cannabis consumption.
Child-Appealing Promotions: No promotional materials or activities that could appeal to children.

Maine

No Appeal to Under 21: Cannot advertise in ways that attract individuals under 21.
Responsible Use: Must not promote irresponsible or illegal activity under Maine law.
Public Health and Safety: Cannot present a significant risk to public health and safety.
Truthful Statements: No deceptive, false, or misleading content.
No Consumption Display: Cannot show the consumption of cannabis products.
Potency Claims: No claims about potency except for listing cannabinoid content.
No Risky Activities: Cannot depict activities risky under the influence of cannabis.
Underage Appeal: No content appealing to individuals under 21, including cartoons or toy images.
No Candy Imitation: Cannot include or imitate candy advertising or use the term “candy.”
Cross-State Transportation: No encouragement of transporting cannabis across state lines.
Safety Claims: No assertions that cannabis products are safe due to regulation or testing.
Health Claims: No claims about curative or therapeutic effects or other health benefits.
Informational Material: No false or misleading statements on any materials provided to consumers.
Public Area Distribution: Cannot distribute handbills in public areas or publicly owned property.
Age Verification: Must take steps to ensure mass marketing does not reach those under 21.
Vehicle Wraps: Limited to small stickers; large vehicle wraps are not allowed.
Proximity to Schools: Advertising is restricted within certain distances from schools and public places.
Website Age Verification: Websites advertising cannabis must verify visitors are over 21 years of age.
Adult Use and License Info: Ads must state “For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older” and include the establishment’s license number.
Usage in Marketing: Brand names and logos can be used in marketing, provided they comply with the advertising rules.

Maryland

Substantial Evidence Required: Therapeutic and medical claims must be supported by substantial clinical evidence or data.
Risk Information: Must include information on significant side effects or risks associated with cannabis use.
Accuracy in Advertising: No false or misleading statements in any material way.
Design and Content Restrictions: Cannot contain designs or images that encourage recreational use of cannabis; appeal to minors, including cartoons or mascots; show the consumption, smoking, or vaping of cannabis; promote cannabis as an intoxicant; are considered obscene.
Qualifying Patient Statement: All ads must state the product is only for use by a qualifying patient.
Age-Screening Mechanisms: Websites must verify users are at least 18 years old, using age-gates or other verification methods.
Social Media and App Notifications: Must notify that content is for those 18+ and for certified patients only.
Distance from Sensitive Areas: No ads within 500 feet of substance abuse facilities, schools, child care centers, playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, or public parks.
Exemption for Property-Owned Ads: Restrictions don’t apply to ads on property owned or leased by dispensaries, growers, or processors.

Massachusetts

Brand Name Use: Cannabis establishments can develop a brand name for use in labeling and signage, but cannot include medical symbols, cannabis imagery, or elements appealing to anyone under the age of 21.
Event Sponsorship: Brand Name sponsorship of charitable, sporting, or similar events is allowed under specific conditions: Limited to Brand Name only. Advertising at the event must target audiences 21 and older, with safeguards to prevent targeting those under 21.
Charitable and Cultural Event Sponsorship: Allowed if it’s part of the establishment’s Positive Impact Plan, with the same age targeting and safeguard requirements as above.
Display Cases: Transparent, secure, locked display cases for product samples are permitted, with restrictions on actual consumption.
Price Information: Posting of prices and availability of a catalog or price list in-store and online is allowed.
Responsible Advertising: Includes the phrase “Please Consume Responsibly,” along with other warnings, and does not promote to those under the age of 21.
Deceptive or Misleading Advertising: No advertising that is deceptive, misleading, false, or fraudulent.
Audience Age Limit: Advertising must target an audience where at least 85% are 21 or older, as determined by reliable data.
Youth-Oriented Advertising: No advertising that includes elements appealing to those under 21, such as cartoons, mascots, or celebrity endorsements.
False Statements About Competitors: No false or misleading statements concerning other licensees.
Health and Safety Claims: No asserting products are safe or have therapeutic effects unless supported by substantial evidence or required labeling.
Billboard and Public Signage Compliance: Must comply with all state and local regulations.
Vehicle Advertising Restrictions: No use of vehicles for advertising cannabis products.
Website Age Verification: Must verify visitors are 21 or older.
Offensive or Objectionable Advertising: No advertising of an improper or objectionable nature.
Transportation Venue Advertising: No advertising on public or private vehicles or at transportation venues.
Exterior Display Restrictions: No display of cannabis products visible from the exterior of the establishment.
Promotional Item Marketing: Restrictions on the marketing of free promotional items, except for permitted practices.

Michigan

Regulatory Compliance: Advertising must comply with all municipal ordinances, state laws, and specific rules regulating signs and advertising.
No Deceptive Practices: Cannot advertise cannabis products in a way that is deceptive, false, or misleading.
Restrictions on Health Claims: Marketing must not contain health or benefits claims unless approved by the FDA or under a Letter of Enforcement Discretion issued by the FDA.
Target Audience Age: Advertising is allowed only if there’s reliable evidence that no more than 30% of the audience is under the age of 21. Must include specified warnings.
Intellectual Property Licensing: Those receiving payment under licensing agreements for intellectual property are responsible for marketing or advertising by either party.
Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA) Marketing: Advertise as “medical marijuana” only for use by registered qualifying patients or caregivers.
Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA) Marketing: Advertise as “marijuana” for use only by individuals 21 years of age or older.
Prohibition on Minors Marketing: Under MMFLA, do not market or advertise to minors aged 17 years or younger. Sponsorships for this age group are prohibited.
Prohibition on Underage Marketing: Under MRTMA, do not market or advertise to individuals under 21 years of age. Sponsorships for individuals under 21 are prohibited.

Minnesota

Business Name and Logo Use: Can be displayed on cannabis labels, signs, website, and informational materials with restrictions: no images of cannabis or smoking paraphernalia, no colloquial references to cannabis, no names of cannabis plant strains, and no medical symbols resembling those of established medical associations unless approved by the commissioner.
Facility Signage: Signs are allowed on manufacturing and distribution facilities.
Business Website: May include the manufacturer’s name, distribution facility location, contact info, hours of operation, product offerings, pricing, and other commissioner-approved information.
Approval for Marketing Activities: Activities not specified in the permitted list require written approval from the commissioner.
Review Period: The commissioner has 30 days to approve proposed marketing and advertising activities.
Interior Displays: Merchandise, signs, and exhibits within facilities must be arranged to prevent public viewing from outside the manufacturing and distribution facilities.

Missouri

Marijuana Leaf in Advertising: There is no prohibition against using a marijuana leaf in advertisements.
Prohibited Words: Business names cannot include words like “pharmacist,” “pharmacy,” “apothecary,” and similar terms unless supervised by a licensed pharmacist.
Delivery Services: Licensees must receive approval from the Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Cannabis Regulation, before delivering cannabis to consumers and patients. This includes notifying the Department to arrange an inspection for transportation compliance.
Changing Space Sharing Arrangements: Licensees can request to change previously approved space-sharing arrangements with other licenses.
Dispensary Product Sales: Dispensaries can sell or distribute cannabis products to other dispensaries under specific conditions, including transfers between medical, comprehensive, and microbusiness dispensaries.
Obscuring Windows: Dispensary sales floors must not be visible from public places outside the facility. This includes ensuring sales of cannabis or accessories are not visible without optical aids.
Window and Door Security: Facilities with windows on a limited access area must ensure they are secure against intrusion and covered if necessary. Glass doors and storefronts must either have security film or be made of shatterproof glass.
Digital Advertising & Marketing: As of March 2025, Missouri’s Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) reaffirmed that advertisements for marijuana products must avoid content that could be attractive to children. This includes realistic, artistic, or cartoon-like images of animals, fruit, or humans, regardless of platform or intent.
Examples of violations include:
- Product packaging that features fruit when displayed on a licensee’s website
- Social media posts showing a person holding cannabis product packaging
- Email flyers featuring both a marijuana product and an animal caricature
- The guidance isn’t new, but the renewed enforcement and clarification signal that operators should audit and update digital content to stay compliant.

Montana

Electronic Advertising Only: Cannabis businesses can promote their brand but may only advertise cannabis or cannabis products electronically.
Use of “Marijuana” or “Cannabis”: Allowed in signage and electronic advertising.
Restrictions on Outdoor Signage: Cannot use slang terms for cannabis or images representing cannabis use or products.
Compliance with Local Ordinances: Outdoor signage must comply with local regulations.
Age Verification for Web Pages: Measures must be in place to verify web page visitors are 21 and over.
Private Social Media Accounts: Must state that followers should be over the age of 21.
Location-Based Marketing Restrictions: No advertising directed toward location-based devices without user consent.
No Unsolicited Internet Advertising: Includes pop-ups and push notifications.
No Traditional Media Advertising: Prohibits TV, radio, and print advertising.
No Claims of Safety: Cannot assert products are safe without specifying testing by a licensed lab.
Billboard Use Prohibited: Cannabis businesses cannot use billboards for advertising.
Youth Appeal Restrictions: No use of images or objects appealing to youth, such as toys or cartoon characters.
No Commercial Mascots: Prohibits use of mascots near cannabis businesses to attract attention.
Informational Pamphlets and Business Cards: Allowed for use at trade conferences and as business cards.
Claims of Laboratory Testing: Businesses may state that products have been tested by licensed laboratories.

Nevada

Mandatory Cannabis Indication: Products must be labeled as containing cannabis in bold type.
Prohibited Packaging Imagery: No images of cartoon characters, mascots, action figures, toys, or similar items appealing to children, except in a production facility’s logo.
Child Appeal Restrictions: No packaging resembling brands primarily for children.
THC and Health Warning Labels: Must indicate THC amount and include health warnings as determined by the Cannabis Compliance Board.
No “Candy” Labeling: Products cannot be labeled or marketed as candy.
Prohibited Product Forms: Cannot be in the form of lollipops, resemble real or fictional characters, or mimic brands for children.
Edible Restrictions: Concentrated cannabis cannot be applied to commercially available candy or snack food, with exceptions for dried fruit, nuts, or granola.
No Child-Appealing Advertising: Cannot use imagery appealing to children, including cartoons or mascots.
Secure Storage Containers: Must offer lockable, child-resistant storage containers for sale.
Purchaser Information: Must convey safety information to purchasers, including effects on children, the delayed effect of edibles, and warnings against use while pregnant or mixing with alcohol.
Truthfulness: No false, misleading, or health-claiming advertisements.
Medium and Audience Restrictions: Cannot advertise in mediums where 30% of the audience is under 21.
Location and Event Restrictions: Restrictions on advertising near schools, in public transport, at sports events, or where a significant portion of the audience is under 21.
Free or Donated Products: Cannot advertise or offer cannabis products as “free” or “donated” without a purchase.
Mandatory Warnings in Ads: Must include specific warnings and the establishment’s license number.
Local Regulations: Local governments may adopt more restrictive advertising ordinances.

New Jersey

Minimum Audience Age: Advertisements must have evidence that 71.6% of the audience is 21 and over.
Mandatory Warning: Ads must include a specific warning about the product containing cannabis and potential health risks.
State License Disclosure: Ads must disclose that the business is licensed by the State of New Jersey.
Underage Appeal Prohibited: Cannot target or appeal to individuals under 21, including depictions of minors or objects appealing to minors.
Time Restrictions for Media: No advertising on TV, streaming services, or radio from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Online ads have no time restrictions.
Proximity Restrictions: No advertising within 200 feet of schools.
Location-Based Advertising: Restricted to apps on devices owned by persons 21 and over that have opt-out features.
Event Restrictions: Advertising at events is allowed only if no more than 20% of the audience is under 21.
Billboard and Public Space Restrictions: Specific limitations on billboard use and advertising in public venues.
No False Safety Claims: Cannot suggest cannabis items are safe just because they are regulated or tested.
Overconsumption Warning: Cannot promote overconsumption.
Truthfulness: No deceptive, false, or misleading statements or illustrations.
Exterior Advertising: Limited external advertising for cannabis businesses.
Commercial Mascot Prohibition: No use of commercial mascots outside the premises.
Visibility from Exterior: Cannabis products and paraphernalia cannot be visible from outside the business.
Price Advertising: Restrictions on advertising prices, with some allowances for catalogs and website listings.
No Promotional Merchandise: Prohibits items or promotional gifts with cannabis symbols or references, except for sold paraphernalia.

New Mexico

Responsible Identification: Ads must clearly identify all responsible licensees.
Audience Age Expectation: Ads must target areas where 70% of the audience is expected to be 21 and over, supported by reliable data.
Mandatory Statements and Warnings: Ads must include “Please Consume Responsibly” and warnings about age restrictions, FDA non-approval, operating machinery, and potential health risks.
Restricted Media Channels: No advertising on radio, TV, internet pop-ups, or mass transit, except under specific conditions for adult audiences.
No Deceptive Practices: Advertising cannot be deceptive, misleading, false, or fraudulent.
Health Claim Restrictions: No unproven health benefit claims without substantial evidence or data.
Distance from Sensitive Areas: No visual media advertising within 300 feet of schools, daycare centers, or churches.
No Appeal to Minors: No use of symbols, images, or celebrity likenesses that appeal to minors.
Predatory Marketing: No targeting of minors.
Brand Mimicry: Cannot mimic non-cannabis product brands.
Overconsumption: No promotion of overconsumption.
Consumption Depiction: No depiction of actual consumption.
Child Appeal Restrictions: Branding must not appeal to children, including no cartoons or resemblance to non-cannabis products marketed to minors.
Not Considered Advertising: Branding is not classified as marketing or advertising activity and is exempt from the warnings and statements required for advertising.
Branding Allowances: Brand promotion through name, logo, or design is allowed without the advertising warnings.

New York

False or Misleading: No false, deceptive, or misleading advertising.
Overconsumption: Cannot promote excessive use.
Consumption Depiction: No depiction of cannabis consumption.
Minor Appeal: Must not appeal to children or minors.
Proximity Restrictions: No advertising within 500 feet of schools, playgrounds, daycare providers, public parks, or libraries.
Public Transit: No ads in public transit vehicles or stations.
Internet Pop-Ups: No unsolicited internet pop-up ads.
Public Property: No advertising on publicly owned or operated property.
Medical Claims: Cannot make medical claims or promote for wellness purposes.
Discounts and Coupons: No promotions that sell cannabis below market value or undermine tax collections.
Billboards: No billboard advertising.
Other Regulations: Must comply with any additional marketing rules promulgated by the Cannabis Control Board.
Underage and At-Risk Appeal: No marketing designed to appeal to those under 21 or at-risk populations.
Misleading Information: No dissemination of false or misleading information.
Identification of Responsible Party: Ads must clearly identify the responsible business.
Audience Age Verification: Ad placements must target audiences primarily over 21, with the advertiser responsible for proving audience composition.

Oregon

No Misleading Statements: Cannot contain deceptive, false, or misleading statements.
No Underage Targeting: Cannot target individuals under 21, including images or references appealing to minors.
No Encouragement of Illegal Activity: Cannot encourage interstate transportation or any illegal activities related to cannabis.
No False Safety Claims: Cannot assert safety due to regulation or testing, nor imply government endorsement.
No Therapeutic Claims: Recreational cannabis cannot be advertised with curative or therapeutic effects.
No Consumption Display: Cannot display the consumption of cannabis items.
No Promotion of Intoxication: Should not encourage use for intoxication effects.
No Excessive Consumption: Should not encourage overconsumption or rapid consumption.
Truthful Information: Licensees must not make misleading statements on any materials or signs provided to consumers.
Mandatory Statements: All ads must include specific warnings in legible font sizes about operation under influence, adult use only, and keeping out of reach of children.
Handbill Restrictions: No advertising through handbills in public areas, including parking lots and publicly owned property.
Audience Composition for Media Ads: Television, radio, billboard, print, and internet ads must have evidence that the audience is less than 30% under 21.
Web Page Age Verification: Websites advertising cannabis must ensure visitors are over 21.
Location-Based Marketing: Direct marketing to location-based devices is allowed only with a mobile app owned by someone over 21, including an easy opt-out feature.

Rhode Island

Allowed Advertising Media: Online media including video ads, social media, and pop-up ads; broadcast media including radio, television, and film; print media including newspapers, magazines, and direct mail; outdoor media including billboards and street furniture.
Mandatory Ad Components: Must include the required universal symbol in color, Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) license number of the licensee, and an age restriction notice stating it is “For Ages 21+ and medical cannabis patients.”
No Therapeutic Claims: Cannot suggest cannabis has healing effects.
No Targeting Minors: Must not appeal to those under 21, including avoiding cartoons, toys, etc.
No Display of Consumption: Cannot show the use of cannabis.
No Excessive Consumption Encouragement: Should not contain material that promotes overuse.
No Combination with Substances: Cannot be combined with content related to alcohol, nicotine, or tobacco.
No Depiction of Impaired Activities: No showing activities under the influence or depicting pregnant or breastfeeding persons.
No Trademark Violations: Must comply with state and federal trademark laws and regulations.
Audience Age Expectation: Encouraged to target media where 85% of the audience is expected to be 21 and over.

Vermont

No Misleading Content: Cannot be deceptive, false, or misleading.
No Promotion of Overconsumption: Cannot promote excessive use.
No Curative Claims: Cannot represent cannabis as having healing effects.
No Prizes or Inducements: Cannot offer prizes or inducements, except for price discounts.
No Free Samples: Cannot offer free cannabis samples.
No Minors: Cannot depict anyone under 21 consuming cannabis.
No Appeal to Minors: Should not be designed to appeal to those under 21.
Audience Age Limit: Can only advertise in mediums where the audience under 21 is no more than 15%.
Mandatory Health Warnings: Ads must contain health warnings set by the Cannabis Control Board in consultation with the Department of Health.
Pre-Dissemination Approval: Ads must be submitted to the Board for approval before being disseminated. The Board may mandate specific, clear, and conspicuous disclosures if the ad could be misleading without them, and require changes to protect public health or ensure information consistency.

Virginia

Marketing Limits: Can market but avoid false claims, targeting minors, or suggesting cannabis is candy.
Audience Age: Ads must target groups where 85 percent are 18 and older. No ads during school hours.
Ad Content Rules: Ads must identify the business and not claim health benefits without evidence. No recreational use promotion.
Prohibitions: No appealing to minors, no public pricing, no misleading health claims.
Online Presence: Listings and websites are okay with age checks. Can share business info, not prices.
Education Allowed: Can provide educational materials to the public, following guidelines.
Signage Rules: Outdoor ads can’t be near schools or playgrounds. On-premise signs must be subtle and follow local laws.
Public Spaces: No ads at sports events, on billboards, or public transit.

Washington

General Advertising Rules: All advertising must avoid false or misleading statements and promote responsible consumption, avoiding overconsumption claims. No therapeutic or curative effect claims allowed. Cannot target or appeal to individuals under 21, including using imagery like cartoons, toys, or movie characters likely to attract minors. Advertisements must not depict cannabis consumption or suggest that cannabis is safe due to regulation or testing and must include warnings about the potential risks associated with cannabis use.

Outdoor and Specific Media Restrictions: Cannabis advertisements are not permitted within 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, recreation centers, child care centers, public parks, libraries, or game arcades unless local ordinances allow. Restrictions apply to advertising on private and public vehicles, public transit vehicles and shelters, and other similar locations. Mandatory inclusion of text in all forms of advertisements stating that cannabis products are only for individuals aged 21 and over. Advertising aimed at out-of-state persons is prohibited.

Outdoor Advertising Details: Besides billboards, retail cannabis businesses can only display two external signs with specific size limitations. Outdoor signs and billboards can only include the business name, location, and type of business without depicting cannabis plants or products. Signs visible from the exterior must adhere to outdoor advertising standards.
Content Requirements for All Advertising: Include statements emphasizing responsible use, such as the potential habit-forming nature of cannabis, and advice against operating machinery under the influence. Advertisements must clearly state that they are for adult use only and keep out of reach of children.

Marketing Regulations for Medically Legal States

Alabama

Submission to Commission: All names, logos, advertisements, and marketing campaigns must be submitted to the Medical Cannabis Commission, including details like formats, mediums, distribution lengths, and assurances that real patients are not used in advertisements. The Commission has 21 days to review submitted materials and may require disclosures, changes, or prohibit use. If no action is taken within 21 days, the material may be used, but the Commission still retains authority to restrict or revoke approval later.
Prohibited Advertisement Placements: No advertising within 500 feet of areas that might target or attract minors. No advertising on billboards, radio, television, public transit vehicles, or publicly-owned property.
Content Restrictions: No appeals to minors, including cartoon characters or images appealing to youth. Cannot suggest relationships to edibles or beverages, target minors, or indicate government approval or endorsement. No false or misleading statements, use of slang, or claims of health benefits without substantial clinical data.
Website and Web Presence: Must verify users are not minors before allowing access. Can’t allow direct engagement among consumers or content that appeals to minors. No business transactions or sales facilitation online.
General Prohibitions for Licensees: External signage restrictions apply, including size and illumination limits. No sale or distribution of related clothing or apparel except for employee identification. No advertisement of medical cannabis brand names or related graphics on building exteriors or vehicles. Medical cannabis products or paraphernalia must not be visible from the exterior of the facility.

Arkansas

Cultivation Facility and Processor Marketing: Prohibited from public advertising. However, allowed to market products directly to dispensaries and services directly to licensed facilities, solely targeting those businesses without public access. Banned use of medical or pharmacy-associated symbols in advertising, including crosses and caduceus.
Dispensary Advertising Guidelines: Must not include misleading statements or target children through cartoons, toys, or similar imagery. Cannot encourage crossing state lines with medical cannabis, display consumption, promote cannabis as an intoxicant, or encourage excessive use. Required inclusion of specific advisories on all advertising: usage by qualified patients only, potential harms during pregnancy or breastfeeding, lack of FDA approval, and caution against operating vehicles or machinery under influence.
Content and Location Restrictions: Advertising near schools, daycare centers, public transit vehicles, shelters, or on publicly-owned property is prohibited. Dispensaries must avoid broadcasting via television, radio, print, or internet unless assured that the audience is predominantly adults (70% over 18 years old). Dispensaries must provide audience composition evidence upon request.
Promotional Restrictions: Coupons, rebates, or promotions related to medical cannabis purchases are forbidden unless part of a compassionate care plan approved by the Medical Marijuana Commission.

Delaware

Advertising Restrictions: Prohibits advertising medical marijuana sales through print media, broadcast, or paid in-person solicitation.
Approval Promotional Practices: Allows appropriate signage on the premises of registered compassion centers. Permits listings in business directories, trade, or medical publications. Endorses sponsorship of health, not-for-profit charity, or advocacy events without direct advertising.
Healthcare Practitioner Restrictions: Health-care practitioners cannot refer patients to registered compassion centers or caregivers. Prohibited from advertising within a registered compassion center. Healthcare practitioners issuing written certifications must not hold a financial interest in any registered compassion center.

District of Columbia (D.C.)

Window and Door Advertisement Restrictions: Prohibits displaying advertisements related to medical cannabis prices in the windows of registered establishments. Bans advertisements related to medical cannabis on the exterior of any window or on both the exterior and interior of any door.
Exterior Signage and Illumination: No exterior signs advertising medical cannabis or visible from the exterior are allowed to be illuminated at any time.
Content Restrictions: Forbids the use of imagery or illustrations that depict children, immature persons, or objects like toys that suggest the presence of children in any marketing material. Bans any design or content that could be particularly appealing to children or immature persons.
Misleading Statements and Health Claims: Prohibits any statements known to be false or misleading regarding the price, ingredients, source, or manufacturer of medical cannabis, as well as health benefits. Forbids any statements that encourage the use or purchase of medical cannabis without a registration card.

Florida

Public Visibility Restrictions: Prohibits medical cannabis advertising that is visible from streets, sidewalks, parks, or any public places, with specific exceptions.
Dispensary Signage: Dispensaries can display a sign outside or in the window with the business name, trade name, or logo approved by the department. Names and logos cannot appeal to children or promote recreational cannabis use.
Internet Advertising Conditions: All online ads must receive department approval before being published. Ads cannot target children or suggest recreational cannabis use. Bans unsolicited pop-up internet ads. Marketing communications must allow users to easily opt-out permanently.

Hawaii

General Advertising Prohibitions: Dispensaries are barred from advertising in any form of media, including broadcast and electronic media such as radio, television, internet, and social media; print media including newspapers, magazines, and billboards; public transit vehicles and shelter placards.
Permitted Information Sharing: Dispensaries can share general information like contact details, location, and a product list with descriptions as specified by certain regulations, via a website or private messaging upon individual request.
Public Display Restrictions: Cannabis or cannabis products must not be displayed in windows or any area visible to the public.
Use of Specific Words: The terms “candy” and “candies” are not allowed in any advertising, product lists, or product menus.
Health Claims: Dispensaries and their staff are prohibited from making unsubstantiated, false, or misleading health or benefit claims about their products.

Kentucky

General Advertising Guidelines: Cannabis businesses are restricted from advertising medicinal cannabis sales across print, broadcast, online, and other methods, with specific exceptions.
Allowed Advertising: Signs on business property, business directory listings, trade or medical publication listings, sponsorship of health or not-for-profit events, and informational websites and social media presence are allowed.
Facility Signage Restrictions: Cultivators, processors, and producers can’t display external signs or logos indicating cannabis activities within their facilities.
Truthfulness in Advertising: All advertising must avoid deceptive, false, or misleading statements.
Web and Social Media Presence: Cannabis businesses can maintain websites and social media for describing their services and products, providing educational materials, and displaying product information and certificates of analysis. Contact information and a list of dispensaries where their products are sold can also be provided. Businesses must report all web and social media accounts to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and ensure the Cabinet’s access is not blocked. Prohibited content includes anything deceptive, targeting individuals under 18, promoting illegal activities, or depicting cannabis consumption. Websites and social media must clearly state: “Medicinal cannabis is for use by cardholders only” and “Keep out of reach of children.” Age verification measures for users are required.
Non-Compliant Advertising Removal: Cannabis businesses must remove any advertising deemed non-compliant by the Cabinet upon written notice.
B2B (Business-to-Business) Advertising: Direct promotion of cannabis businesses, services, and products is permitted only to other licensed cannabis entities. Safety compliance facilities can promote their testing services exclusively to other cannabis businesses.

Louisiana

General Advertising Restrictions: Cannabis retailers are restricted to advertising solely through a single internet website and signage on their premises. Advertising through public media is explicitly banned. This includes newspapers, billboards, television, radio, social media, and any internet site other than the designated single website for the retailer.
Signage Guidelines: Retailers may have up to two external signs attached to their premises. Signs are limited to displaying the business or trade name. Each sign’s size cannot exceed 1,600 square inches.

Mississippi

Restrictions on Advertising and Marketing: Licensed entities are strictly prohibited from advertising in all forms of media, including broadcast or electronic media, such as radio and television; and print media like newspapers. There are also comprehensive bans on mass communication methods, including mass text or messaging communications and mass email communications.
Visibility and Public Space Restrictions: Cannabis products must not be displayed in windows or any public view. Advertisements should not be viewable from or in public spaces, including, but not limited to “Adopt a Highway” signs and electronic interstate signs.

Nebraska

On June 29, 2025, Governor Jim Pillen signed emergency regulations adopted by the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission (NMCC), enabling the state to begin licensing medical cannabis businesses by July 1, 2025, with a mandate to transition to permanent regulations by October 1, 2025. While emergency rules address elements like product limitations, proximity restrictions (1,000-ft buffer from schools, daycares, churches, hospitals), and bans on smoking, vaping, flavorings, or infused edibles, comprehensive advertising and marketing guidelines are not yet finalized—those will be detailed as part of the permanent rulemaking process.

In the meantime, businesses should follow general principles reflected in these interim rules and common practices in other states:

Avoid Targeting Minors: Refrain from using imagery, language, or placement that could appeal to individuals under 18.
Prohibit Misleading Claims: Ensure all promotional materials are truthful and do not make unverified health benefit assertions.
Restrict Public Advertising: Limit advertisements in public spaces, especially near schools, parks, and areas frequented by minors.
Control Digital Content: Implement age verification on websites and social media platforms to prevent access by minors.
Comply with Local Signage Laws: Follow existing state and local regulations regarding business signage, including size, illumination, and content restrictions.

New Hampshire

Advertising Restrictions: Medical cannabis businesses can’t advertise cannabis products or services widely.
Business Identification: Using business name and logo are allowed, excluding medical symbols or cannabis imagery.
Exterior Signs: Allowed on the cannabis business’ property, but no flashing lights, and the building cannot be illuminated when closed. No signs at cultivation/processing locations.
Directory Listings: Listings in business directories and search engines are allowed.
Website and Social Media: Businesses may have websites and social media with specific cannabis business information, all of which must be age-restricted.
Email Communication: Emailing current patients, caregivers, and consenting adults with allowed information is permitted.
Educational Engagement: Communication for educational purposes with healthcare providers and community leaders is allowed.
Prohibited Advertising Practices: Misleading claims, appealing to children, encouraging illegal activities, and promoting unapproved health benefits claims are all prohibited.

North Dakota

Business Identity Display: Dispensaries can display their business name and logo on various materials provided to patients and caregivers, excluding cannabis images or paraphernalia, slang references to cannabis, strain names, and medical symbols similar to established medical associations.
Website Content for Dispensaries: Websites are allowed to include facility name and contact info, operating hours, available products and pricing, and additional department-approved information.
Manufacturing Facility Branding: Allowed to display their name and logo with the same restrictions as dispensaries.
Website Content for Manufacturing Facilities: Can include facility name, phone number, and other approved information.
Dispensing Rules: Dispensaries can only dispense cannabis to registered patients or caregivers, strictly prohibiting free distribution.
Marketing Approval: Any marketing or advertising not explicitly allowed requires department approval. The division has up to 30 days to approve or deny submitted materials. Until approval is granted, the materials may not be used.

Ohio

Pre-Approval Required: Names, logos, signs, or advertisements must be submitted to the state board of pharmacy with an advertising approval fee. Post-review, the board may require disclosures, recommend changes, or prohibit use of the advertisement.
Advertising Restrictions: No cannabis ads allowed within 500 feet of certain facilities or places attracting children, on billboards, on radio or television broadcasts, using portable signs, handing out flyers in public places or private property without owner consent, in public transit vehicles or shelters, or on publicly-owned property.
Content Restrictions: Cannabis ads must not feature images appealing to children, market to individuals under 18, or contain false or misleading statements. They must not suggest endorsement by state entities or promote non-qualifying condition use.
Website Guidelines: Medical cannabis dispensaries can have websites with business info and services, requiring age verification for access.
No Direct Engagement: Websites cannot facilitate direct consumer interaction or content sharing with minors.
External Signage and Branding Restrictions: Limits on sign size and illumination and prohibition on displaying medical marijuana or paraphernalia that’s visible externally.
No Unauthorized Third-Party Use: Dispensaries cannot authorize third parties to use prohibited advertising methods.

Oklahoma

General Prohibition: Cannabis commercial licensees must not disseminate advertising with materials prohibited under Oklahoma law.
Content Restrictions: Ads must not contain statements or material that is false, misleading, or deceptive; suggestive of unlicensed medical cannabis commercial services; encouraging overconsumption; claiming curative or therapeutic effects; depicting minors consuming cannabis; featuring items like toys, cartoons, or images appealing to children; designed to appeal to those under 18 years of age; implying medical marijuana is grown out of state or causing confusion about its origin.
Misleading Information: Specifically prohibited misleading information includes claiming the cannabis product is “organic” without official authorization or stating “pesticide-free” unless completely devoid of pesticides.

Pennsylvania

Federal Consistency: Advertising and marketing practices must align with federal regulations on prescription drug advertising.
Department Approval: All promotional, advertising, and marketing materials must receive prior approval.
Exception for B2B Communications: Rules do not apply to product listings provided by growers/processors to dispensaries detailing available products for sale.

South Dakota

Usage Statement: All advertisements must clearly state “For medical use by qualifying patients only.”
Identification Requirement: All advertisements must include the medical cannabis establishment’s official identification number.
Enforcement: Any nonconforming advertisement is a violation of state law. Upon notification by the Department, establishments must cease and remove the advertisement (from websites, social media, mobile apps, or signs) within 48 hours. Failure to comply is treated as a serious and knowing violation under SDCL chapter 34-20G.

Utah

General Advertising Restriction: Cannabis production establishments are prohibited from advertising to the general public in any form.
Employment Advertising: Advertising for employment opportunities at cannabis production establishments is permitted.
Website Maintenance: Allowed to contain information about the establishment and employees. Cannot advertise medical cannabis, cannabis products, or medical cannabis devices.
Exterior Signage: Signage on the outside of the establishment may include the establishment’s name, logo, and hours of operation, and a green cross. Must comply with local signage ordinances.
Educational Events: Can hold educational events for the public or medical providers with specific restrictions: no topics can conflict with relevant laws, only educational materials can be distributed, no gift items or merchandise, no marketing for specific products, and presenters must be licensed professionals or state employees.

Non-Legal Cannabis States

Idaho
Kansas

What You Can and Can’t Market in Non-Legal States

Given the complexity and variability of cannabis marketing regulations across different states, especially those where cannabis remains illegal for all purposes, brands face significant restrictions regarding what they can do in terms of marketing and advertising. In states where cannabis is completely illegal, including for medicinal use, the options for marketing legal cannabis brands are severely limited.

Here’s a general overview:

Marketing in Non-Legal States: Generally, in states where cannabis is fully illegal, cannabis-related businesses cannot legally market or advertise their products. This includes a wide range of prohibitions, from direct advertising in local media to digital marketing strategies that might target residents of these states.
General Guidelines:
- No Direct Advertising: Any direct advertising or marketing efforts targeting these states are typically not allowed. This includes traditional advertising methods such as print, radio, and television, as well as digital advertising on social media platforms, search engines, and websites.
- Educational Content: Sometimes, brands focus on providing educational content that does not directly advertise cannabis products but rather educates the audience on topics related to cannabis. Even so, such efforts must be carefully designed to ensure they comply with local laws.
- Branding and Online Presence: Brands may maintain a basic online presence (e.g., a website) primarily for informational purposes. However, any content that could be interpreted as directly promoting the sale or use of cannabis in states where it’s illegal is prohibited.
- Focus on Legal Markets: Brands often focus their marketing efforts on states where cannabis is legal, using geo-targeting and other strategies so that advertising only reaches audiences in those areas.

Marketing Regulations for States with Legal Low-THC and CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids, like CBD, across the U.S., but state-specific regulations affect how these products can be marketed. This section examines the marketing rules for states allowing low-THC and CBD products.

Georgia

Accuracy and Substantiation: Ensure product information is accurate, truthful, and properly substantiated by following the Farm Act and rules.
Information for Physicians: Products may be presented to physicians through electronic communication, printed mail, or in-person.
Restrictions on Public Advertising: Direct advertising or marketing of products to patients, caregivers, or the general public is prohibited.

Indiana

*There are currently no laws on the books regarding advertising and marketing for CBD and low-THC cannabis products. In fact, all products are technically illegal. However, there are instances of radio ads and billboards for an Illinois-based dispensary appearing in the state. That said, it is advisable to tread carefully and consult the proper officials before implementing cannabis advertising/marketing of any kind in Indiana.

Iowa

Manufacturer Marketing Permissions: Can display business name and logo on medical cannabidiol products, signs, websites, and informational materials provided to patients. The name or logo should not include images of cannabis, paraphernalia, slang terms, strain names, unsubstantiated medical claims, or medical symbols similar to those of established medical organizations without department approval.
Signage and Website: Allowed to have signs on the manufacturing facility. May maintain a website with the manufacturer’s name, contact info, medical cannabidiol forms produced, and other approved information. The site should avoid false or misleading claims about health benefits.
Additional Marketing Activities: For marketing activities not already specified, manufacturers must get written approval from the department, which will respond within 30 days. If there’s no response within this period, the marketing request is deemed approved.
Public Viewing Restrictions: Displays and signage inside the manufacturing facility must be arranged to prevent public viewing from outside.

North Carolina

*North Carolina has yet to legalize cannabis for medical or recreational use. However, in June 2022, the state governor signed the North Carolina Farm Act of 2022 to legalize hemp and all CBD-infused products. As of now, there are no advertising/marketing laws on the books for cannabis products.

South Carolina

Package Labeling Requirements: Must include department-issued symbols indicating the package contains marijuana and is harmful to children; the cultivator’s or manufacturer’s name and contact info; results of independent testing lab analysis; seal or stamp certifying testing standards compliance; unique batch number for traceability; ingredients list and possible allergens; THC content and number of servings for multi-serving products; warning notice regarding lack of FDA approval, potential health risks, and legal prohibitions against driving or operating machinery under influence.
Advertising Restrictions: Prohibited if deceptive, false, or misleading; limited to mediums where 85 percent of the audience is expected to be 21 or older; cannot portray individuals under 21 or use designs appealing to this age group; no mascots, cartoons, brand sponsorships, or celebrity endorsements appealing to those under 21; false or misleading statements about licensees are banned; promotional giveaways, coupons, or free marijuana products are not allowed; using radio or loudspeakers to attract attention to establishments is prohibited; sponsorships of any kind are forbidden.
Online Advertising and Website Requirements: Websites must verify visitors are at least 21 years old; unsolicited pop-up advertisements are banned.
Retail Advertisement Restrictions: Cannot use content aimed at encouraging anyone under 21 years of age to purchase or consume cannabis.

Tennessee

*There are currently no advertising regulations in place for any cannabis products, including those intended for medical use containing CBD/low-THC.

Texas

*Cannabis remains illegal in almost all contexts in the Lone Star State; however, there are a few entities that are authorized to dispense certain CBD and low-THC products. These entities are qualified to prescribe these products under the Texas Compassionate-Use Program and advertising under this program is severely limited.

Wisconsin

*No cannabis-related businesses, including producers, processors, distributors, retailers, lounge operators, or microbusinesses, are allowed to advertise usable cannabis in any form or through any medium.

Wyoming

*In Wisconsin, cannabis-related entities are prohibited from advertising usable cannabis across all forms of media. Similarly, Wyoming restricts the promotion, advertising, and display of medical marijuana and its derived products strictly to individuals holding a valid medical marijuana certification.

Hybrid knows how to navigate these complicated cannabis marketing laws. Contact us today, and we’ll steer your strategy in the right direction!

Your Dispensary Needs a Customer Service Culture From the Start

Lauren Thompson, Content Intern — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 19:54:24 +0000

Intro
The Importance of a Customer Service Culture in Dispensaries
Best Practices for Dispensary Customer Service
How to Boost Google Reviews with Outstanding Service
Staff Training for Exceptional Service
Managing Negative Reviews and Customer Complaints

Your Dispensary Needs a Customer Service Culture From the Start

Don’t overlook customer experience—their happiness is your success.

As a college student in Colorado, I’ve visited several dispensaries but remain loyal to only a couple. Competitive pricing is a draw, but excellent customer experience keeps me returning. By following my peers’ recommendations, I’ve discovered terrific dispensaries where the budtenders remember me and my friends and recommend products I usually love!

My direct experience shows that dispensaries must consistently provide excellent customer service and access to reliable products to generate long-term loyalty and positive reviews.

The Importance of a Customer Service Culture in Dispensaries

In my experience in Colorado, customer service has largely been overlooked in dispensary culture.

Since the legalization of cannabis in many states, weed has been moderately destigmatized, but not completely. Entering a dispensary and purchasing cannabis can still be anxiety-inducing, so budtenders must create a welcoming space that alleviates any preconceived negative associations with the experience. Every Budtender should be trained to create a welcoming and safe environment when a customer enters.

But dispensary customer service is often overlooked because “weed sells itself,” right?

Wrong.

Without clear guidelines and expectations, your dispensary may be unable to attract, satisfy, and retain customers. The first thing most potential customers will believe about your dispensary is whatever they read on Google reviews.

Good Google reviews are paramount to your dispensary’s success. The best way to earn positive reviews is to create a memorable and joyful experience for every customer while providing quality products they want to return for.

Bad Google reviews, on the other hand, often come from a lack of training. Here are some examples of genuine negative Google reviews that can be attributed to a gap in customer service training and engagement:

“Super awkward check-in experience.”

“Why is your receptionist so rude? I get to the back and the budtender is rushing me. The workers here made me feel inconvenienced by shopping there. I will definitely stay far away from this location.”

“Garbage customer service. No people skills.”

“Snippy front desk. Left without buying anything.”

“Not going to be returning, terrible customer service. Didn’t seem like any sort of option to even look at the flower. Under-weighed everything I purchased. Extremely transactional, no heart or warmness whatsoever. No chance this company survives.”

Establishing a strong customer service culture can prevent these kinds of reviews from accumulating and ensures you run a business that keeps people returning.

Best Practices for Dispensary Customer Service

Establishing a solid dispensary customer service culture has several advantages. Customers feel welcome and comfortable when they enter your store, giving them a reliable dispensary to return to whenever they want to stock up again. For you, this means loyal and happy customers and employees, a leg up on the competition, and a successful business.

Start by hiring the right budtenders.

Look for people with customer service experience—you should still provide them with store-specific training, but it’s best that they already have some of these skills. This person should also have a passion for and knowledge of cannabis in various forms. You want someone familiar with the industry who wants to move up, and you should provide them with those opportunities!

You’ll be ready to wow customers once you’ve assembled a great team with the proper training.

Budtender Greetings

The greeting can be the most essential part of a transaction. Three of the negative reviews above directly cite the check-in/front desk experience as the cause of a bad experience—this is easily avoidable. Here are some simple tips to implement in your customer service training.

Remember the names and preferences of returning customers. “Welcome back, [customer’s name]!” shows familiarity and establishes trust between the budtender and the customer.
Don’t presuppose the customer’s comfort with the process. It could be someone’s first time in a dispensary, and they may not want to be greeted with “How can I get you high?” but would feel welcomed by “What can I help you find?” or “How can I help you today?”
Don’t make the customer feel like they’re bugging you. If you’re chatting with a coworker and a customer enters, ensure they feel welcomed and have been adequately helped—don’t alienate them!
Be genuine. Don’t be overly animated and fake. Customers like it when their budtender seems like a genuine person who has a passion for cannabis and wants to help them have a good experience—just be yourself!

Personalized Service, Product Knowledge, and Engagement Strategies

The role of the budtender isn’t just to move products; it’s to help the customer through the cannabis buying process. Budtenders should be educated on all products and their effects, whether or not they’ve actually used them. They should know brands and the value of their products. And they should be prepared to answer any questions a customer has. Being well-versed in products is an essential aspect of customer service. The budtender is behind the counter for a reason: They should be more knowledgeable than the customer.

It’s important to ask customers questions and provide recommendations based on their answers. Once you understand what the customer is looking for, recommendations and product bundles will come up naturally. Don’t blindly throw out ideas; consider what the customer wants.

Recommendations should also be made to regulars. If someone always comes in for the same product, consider suggesting complimentary or similar items. This encourages curiosity about the product and nurtures conversation.

Everyone has a different comfort level, so meet the customers where they are. If they’re looking for guidance, be more engaged and direct them. If they’re confident and ask for something specific, chat with them about the choice and recommend something similar: “I love that product! I also love this; it’s a similar experience.”

Using Technology to Enhance Customer Service

Technology is a tool that should be used to make our lives easier. It should not be confusing, difficult to use, or flighty and liable to shut down at any second. Use technology to your advantage! It can and should be implemented in almost every area of your business.

Solid point-of-sale (POS) software is necessary for your business to run smoothly. This software is where budtenders will complete transactions, but it is also essential for check-in and inventory management. Research various POS software and determine what will be best for your business.
It is very important to have a payment system that is compatible with your POS software. People hate having to take out cash, so look into a cannabis payment system that allows card use.
A smooth check-in process for mobile orders and in-person visits is the easiest way to attract customers, provide them with what they want, and send them on their way!
Get with the times—people want mobile ordering! E-commerce is an essential part of a successful dispensary. Customers should be able to browse your product catalog online in an easy-to-use way. By providing an online preorder-for-pickup option, you can tap into a vast market of cannabis shoppers who wish to make their choices and conveniently pick them up privately.
Mobile orders should be packaged quickly so they are ready for the customer as soon as they arrive.
Consider having kiosks in-store for customers to browse your stock. This self-service model drives the current retail world. Kiosks are an excellent way for customers to interact with your menu and make their purchases.
Loyalty programs are a great addition to any business. By developing a loyalty program, your customers will be eager to check in themselves to earn discounts. It’s also a fun way to cultivate customer loyalty (of course) and interest in your products. People love discounts and rewards, so reward them for choosing your business.

How to Boost Google Reviews with Outstanding Service

How customers are greeted immediately sets the tone for the rest of their time in the store. Here are some budtender greeting tips to ensure everything begins positively.

Don’t keep customers waiting after they enter!

Warmly and eagerly greet them as soon as you can.
If you are in the middle of helping another customer, take a moment to acknowledge the person who just entered: “Welcome in, one moment, please!”
Scan their ID.
Make small talk, make them feel welcome.
Begin helping them select a product.

A memorable experience typically inspires a good review. Everyone has a different comfort level when entering a dispensary, so meet the customer where they’re at. While one person may come in familiar and excited, and another may be timid and unsure, every customer needs the best possible experience, so match their energy!

How Else Can Dispensaries Boost Their Google Reviews?

If your Google reviews page is littered with bad reviews and low ratings from years ago, work on getting positive reviews to counter the old ones. We’ll use some more real negative Google reviews as examples:

“The Budtender was rude, didn’t know about the product, and instead of checking and giving me an exact answer, she gave me something I am not satisfied with.”
- This review demonstrates the importance of a knowledgeable budtender and good POS software. Your budtenders should be trained on all products available in the store, and if they’re unsure about something, you should provide them with the means to look it up and provide a factual answer.
“Completely disgusted with this place!! I went in a few days ago and noticed that the product I bought expired 4 months ago. The workers are rude and disrespectful. The place is a complete disaster. Do not recommend coming to this place.”
- This is another example of why a sound POS system is so important. By keeping track of your inventory, this shouldn’t happen. In this example, it’s clear that the employees aren’t trained in customer service and don’t care about the store or the customers.
“I don’t understand this place. I came in at 9:30 AM, and no one was there, but it took them over 10 minutes to take me back. The budtender also did not confirm my order with me and rang me out for the wrong item, wasting more of my time by not knowing how to fix it. I won’t be going back.”
- No one wants to wait around for no reason—convenience is king. Making an order mistake is an inconvenience for both the customer and the employee, and it should be simple to remedy this mistake if it occurs.

Avoid being pushy, but don’t fear encouraging customers to leave reviews. Create an environment that fosters positivity so customers can’t help but spread the word publicly.

Staff Training for Exceptional Service

Budtenders are eager to begin their position with industry guidance (check out The Great Budtender Survey to discover firsthand insights on the Budtender experience), so provide them with training that encourages them to employ their skills and expertise while instilling guidelines that ensure every visit runs smoothly.

Make your staff training fun. Don’t just make them do some boring online program. Get them in the store to get real experience.
Consider letting them take some free products home to try when doing inventory training. This ensures they’re intimately familiar with the products and can inform the customers based on their experiences.
Provide incentives for good work. If you notice an employee doing a stellar job, acknowledge and reward them!
Provide opportunities for advancement. Don’t make working at your dispensary a dead end—allow your employees to grow within your business and encourage their interest in the industry.

When your employees are happy and satisfied with your management, they will be better with the customers, respect you and your business, and enjoy coming to work!

Managing Negative Reviews and Customer Complaints

You may have already accumulated negative reviews and want to work toward a solution. This is why your dispensary must have a Google reviews strategy.

If these reviews are recent and address a specific issue, you can respond to them. This response should not be angry or upset but understanding and willing to offer a solution or apology. If the negative reviews are older, you should focus on boosting your positive Google reviews. In the end, it is essential that you address the issues, or you’ll accumulate even more negative reviews.

You should always provide your customers with an outlet to vent their frustrations. You should conduct an online customer satisfaction survey and take the responses seriously. If they can voice their complaints to you, they are less likely to publish a negative review online. This type of customer engagement also provides insight into the customer’s experience, so you know what they like about your business.

What Role Does Customer Service Play in Dispensary Reputation Management?

Spoiler alert: Your dispensary’s reputation is largely in the hands of your budtenders and their ability to provide a positive experience.

A positive customer service culture is essential to your dispensary marketing plan. Poor customer service, rude or unprofessional staff, lack of product knowledge, transactional and unfriendly environment, and inconsistent service can harm your business’s reputation.

This is why it is important to hire the right candidates and provide them with general customer service training, as well as comprehensive training on the entire inventory and how to use your dispensary tech. Everything in your dispensary should run smoothly and professionally, both internally and externally. Buying cannabis products should be as stress-free as using them!

All these aspects combined make up your customer service culture, so take them seriously.

If you’re looking for more marketing solutions, we can help! We offer branding, email marketing, content creation, and more.

Get in touch; let’s do great work together.

The New Rules of Content Marketing for Cannabis

Aaron Rosenbluth — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:20:57 +0000

Intro
The Evolving Landscape of Cannabis Content Marketing
Establishing a Strong Content Strategy
Creating Relevant and Authentic Content :
1. Use a Consistent Tone and Style
2. Provide Accurate and Up-to-Date Information
Quality Over Quantity
Cannabis Content Strategies
Conclusion

The New Rules of Content Marketing for Cannabis

Crush your cannabis industry competitors with fresh, authentic content.

Full disclosure, this blog is an update of one I wrote four years ago. Four years in the cannabis industry might as well be a lifetime.

Some marketing tactics have atrophied since then, and cannabis marketing specifically is an entirely different ballgame—with new players and much bigger arenas.

For starters, there are more states with legalized cannabis today than there were half a decade ago, and federal legalization seems closer now than at any point in history. Plus, the government has finally budged on rescheduling cannabis, which would ease restrictions and adjust the legal framework we all work under.

It all adds up to a seismic shift that alters the cannabis world for consumers. And if consumers are experiencing a change, we must go through some marketing changes of our own.

Today, the rules for content marketing in cannabis go far beyond “telling a good story.” Don’t get me wrong—storytelling is still a part of the process—but your story must be carried by a strong strategy that connects authentic content to specific target audiences.

Let’s get into it.

The Evolving Landscape of Cannabis Content Marketing

It’s wild to think about how much the cannabis marketing world has shifted in just a few short years. What used to be a game of dancing around restrictions and hoping for the best has progressed into a sector that is much more sophisticated, exacting, and, yes, challenging as hell.

First off, there’s the sheer volume of data we can now tap into. Back in the day, we were lucky to know what time of day our audience liked to scroll. Now, we’re obsessed with personalization, crafting content that feels like it’s created just for you—because, well, it is.

And then there’s SEO. It’s still the backbone of content marketing, but it’s gotten a facelift. We’re not just stuffing keywords into articles and calling it a day anymore (can you imagine?!). Now it’s about aligning content with what people are really searching for. It’s a conversation, not a megaphone.

And of course, we can’t forget about the rise of digital out-of-home advertising (DOOH) for cannabis. Traditional digital platforms like Meta are still throwing up roadblocks to the cannabis industry. So brands are taking a big swing with point-of-purchase screens, digital EV charging station displays, and sleek digital billboards that take the ads out of the smartphone and put them into the wild—while still maintaining the ability to target, track, measure results, and quickly refine as needed. It’s something to keep an eye on, but let’s get back to the point.

Establishing a Strong Content Strategy

Let’s zero-in on some real strategy talk. This is where the rubber meets the road in the cannabis space. A solid strategy finds your audience and puts you in the room with them—giving you the chance to understand them, connect with them, and ultimately, give them what they want.

Here’s what makes a good content strategy:

Deeply Understand Your Audience

You’ve got to know who you’re talking to. And I don’t just mean knowing their age, location, or what they had for breakfast (you should know that, too). I’m talking about understanding their goals, the challenges they face at work, what keeps them up at night, and what they daydream about. This is about creating content that feels real and valuable, like it was made just for them.

Content Styles and Formats

When it comes to style, your content needs to speak the same language as your audience, and not just in words. Think about the formats your audience prefers. Are they into quick reads or do they binge on long-form guides? Do they prefer videos, podcasts, or good old-fashioned blogs? Nailing this down will ensure your message hits home.

Distribution Channels

Now, where’s all this content going? It’s not enough to post and hope for the best. You need to cover all the bases—website, email, social media, you name it. And speaking of cannabis social media, just like love, it’s a battlefield. Whether you’re a plant-touching business or not, staying on the right side of regulations is a challenge. But it’s a challenge worth tackling because that’s where your audience is.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Finally, we’ve got KPIs—your best friend in content strategy. This is how you measure whether all your hard work is actually paying off. Are people engaging with your content? Is it driving traffic? Are you seeing conversions? These metrics tell you what’s working and what needs to be tweaked.

Creating Relevant and Authentic Content

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Oscar Wilde

Did I just quote Oscar Wilde in a blog about cannabis marketing? You bet I did! Relevance and authenticity is at the heart of everything we do in cannabis marketing. Why? Well, for one thing, cannabis consumers are notoriously allergic to BS and, more broadly, people are tired of being lied to.

Break through the barrier and reach your audience on their terms. Do that and they will actually care about what you’re saying and possibly act on it.

Use a Consistent Tone and Style

Consistency is key. Your brand needs to have a voice that feels familiar, no matter where your audience encounters it. Whether it’s a blog post, an email, or a social media update, your tone and style should feel like a conversation with the same person with a consistent sense of humor and set of ideals. And speaking of conversation, don’t be afraid to go first-person with your blogs. It adds a personal touch that makes your content feel more like a chat than a lecture. People connect with people, not faceless brands.

Provide Accurate and Up-to-Date Information

The cannabis industry should never peddle false or outdated information. Nothing turns off an audience faster than old or incorrect info. Keep your content fresh and factual. It’s not just about staying compliant—though that’s a big part of it—it’s about building trust. When your audience knows they can rely on you for the latest and most accurate information, they’ll keep coming back for more.

Quality Over Quantity

The internet is lousy with recycled content, especially in the age of ChatGPT and AI-generated content. If the content you deliver is suspiciously similar to something your audience read someplace else, they won’t trust it. Instead, they’ll click right past you in favor of your unique competition.

Stand out by creating content that’s fresh. Bring your readers a firsthand experience, something that only you could provide. Think of it like this: If you’re writing a blog about a new strain or a dispensary event, don’t rely on stock photos or generic images. Grab your phone and snap a few shots yourself. The difference is clear when the images come from someone who was actually there, capturing moments that no one else could.

Unique content means real value. Readers aren’t looking for a rehash of what they’ve already seen—they want insights, stories, and experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. So focus on creating something truly original.

Cannabis Content Strategies for Dispensaries, Brands, and Ancillary Businesses

When it comes to cannabis content, I always say, “different strokes for different folks.” What works for a cannabis dispensary might not work for a cannabis brand—and what works for those entities probably wouldn’t work for an ancillary businesses.

Here are some strategies for various corners of the industry to consider:

Dispensaries

For dispensaries, your content strategy should focus heavily on building trust and providing value to your local community. Think of your content as the bridge between curious newcomers and your more seasoned clientele.

Educational Content: Dispensaries thrive when they demystify cannabis for their customers. You should be creating content that answers common questions, such as “What’s the difference between indica and sativa?” or “How do edibles affect you differently than smoking?” Blog posts, videos, and in-store guides that educate customers can make your dispensary a go-to resource.
Local SEO and Social Media: Focus on local SEO so people in your area can find your dispensary. This includes optimizing your Google Business Profile and using local keywords in your content. Social media is also key, but here’s the catch: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are notoriously tricky for cannabis businesses. Instead of direct promotion, share entertaining behind-the-scenes looks, customer testimonials, and community involvement. This builds trust and keeps your content compliant with platform guidelines.
Visual Content: In an industry where in-store experience matters, showing off your products and atmosphere can be incredibly effective. Use high-quality, original photos and videos to capture the essence of your dispensary. Show off your displays, product close-ups, and even customer interactions (with permission, of course). This kind of authentic content resonates with viewers and helps them feel connected to your brand.

Cannabis Brands

If you’re building a cannabis brand, your content strategy should be all about differentiation and storytelling. It’s about what you’re selling mixed with why your brand exists.

Brand Storytelling: Your brand’s story is what sets you apart from competitors. Are you focused on sustainability? Craft? Innovation? Luxury? Make sure that story is woven into all of your content. Use your website, blogs, and social media to tell that story consistently. Consumers want to connect with brands that align with their values, so be clear about what you stand for.
Product Education and User Experience: Detailed product descriptions and educational content are essential. Explain the benefits of your products, how they’re made, and why they’re different. Create video content that walks customers through your process—whether that’s how your edibles are crafted or what makes your pre-rolls unique. This kind of content builds credibility and trust with your audience.
Cross-Promotion and Events: Don’t just stick to cannabis-specific events—branch out to lifestyle events where your target audience might be. For example, setting up shop at music festivals or wellness retreats can help broaden your brand’s reach. Additionally, leverage cross-promotion opportunities with other brands or influencers that share your ethos. This expands your audience and adds an extra layer of credibility to your brand.

Cannabis Ancillary Businesses

For ancillary businesses—whether you’re providing packaging, technology, or legal services—your content needs to clearly communicate how you solve problems for cannabis companies.

Thought Leadership and Educational Content: Position yourself as an expert. Regularly publish white papers, case studies, and in-depth blog posts that address the challenges your clients face. For instance, if you’re in the compliance space, create content that helps dispensaries navigate the complex web of cannabis regulations.
Industry Networking and Collaboration: Engage in collaborations with other businesses or participate in industry events. Offering webinars or partnering with complementary businesses for joint content can help you tap into their audience while sharing valuable knowledge.
Targeted Marketing and SEO: Optimize your digital presence for the cannabis industry. Use SEO strategies to target specific pain points and needs of your audience. Whether it’s compliance, packaging, or software solutions, your content should be easily discoverable by those searching for what you offer. Incorporate testimonials and case studies to provide social proof, further boosting your credibility.

Cannabis marketing isn’t what it used to be, and that’s a good thing. The old rules? Tossed out in favor of a brand new playbook. I’ve seen this industry evolve, and I know that staying ahead means doing things differently. Join the movement to create content that’s bold, authentic, and ahead of the pack.

Get in touch, let’s do great work together.

MJBizCon 2025: What You Should Know and Who You Should Follow

Jen Lamboy — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 05:27:50 +0000

MJBizCon 2025 Tips

Email Newsletters to Follow
X Accounts to Follow
Travel
MJBizCon App

MJBizCon 2025: What You Should Know and Who You Should Follow

Are you ready for the cannabis industry’s largest conference?

Here’s what you need to know and who to follow on the road to this year’s event.

MJBizCon (also sometimes called the “Las Vegas Cannabis Convention”) is the cannabis industry’s biggest conference, returning to Las Vegas on December 2-5, 2025.

The legendary cannabis expo gives significant players and industry newcomers a chance to network, learn, and see the latest products and innovations.

If you’re asking, “should I attend MJBizCon,” the answer is a resounding yes.

But the event’s packed convention schedule and expansiveness can overwhelm first-time attendees; it’s exhausting even for seasoned visitors.

We decided to assemble a simple guide to help you prepare. So keep reading to learn what to do and who to follow on the road to MJBizCon 2025.

MJBizCon Email Newsletters to Follow

Here’s your first task after registering for MJBizCon: sign up for event-specific email newsletters.

MJBizCon email newsletters help you understand critical event details (for example, speaker schedules) so you’re ready to absorb every ounce of information from the show.

Here are some of the top newsletters we recommend:

Hybrid Marketing
Hybrid Marketing
MJBizDaily
MJBizDaily
Ganjapreneur
Ganjapreneur
Cannabiz Media
Cannabiz Media
Marijuana Retail Report
Marijuana Retail Report
New Cannabis Ventures
New Cannabis Ventures
WeedWeek
WeedWeek
CannabisWire
CannabisWire
Green Entrepreneur
Green Entrepreneur

We may be biased, but our MJBizCon series is going to get you some great up-to-date information and advice on how to get ready to participate. If you’re not already on our newsletter, click here to sign up today.

MJBizDaily, the “official” convention newsletter, gives you a glimpse at the MJBizcon schedule and offers technical articles on niche cannabis topics, from science to business.

Designed with activists, business owners, and career-seekers in mind, Ganjapreneur will help you stay informed about cannabis industry opportunities and news.

For those in the know, Cannabiz Media offers industry insights and alerts on the latest licensing activity in the US and Canada.

Written for budtenders and dispensary owners, Marijuana Retail Report offers a daily briefing on the hottest topics in the world of cannabis.

Arriving in your inbox every Sunday, New Cannabis Ventures keeps you informed of the essential cannabis stories of the week.

Essential reading for industry insiders since 2015, WeedWeek offers a website full of free content plus a weekly newsletter.

Like WeedWeek, CannabisWire has a subscriber-only website for cannabis news, plus a weekly newsletter with the latest tips and trends.

Covering more than just cannabis news, Green Entrepreneur offers a weekly update on the latest in cannabis, hemp, CBD, and other related information, tips, and inspiration.

MJBizCon X (formerly Twitter) Accounts to Follow

Keep the information overload short and sweet with our favorite X users covering the world of cannabis and MJBizCon.

MJBizCon email newsletters help you understand critical event details (for example, speaker schedules) so you’re ready to absorb every ounce of information from the show.

Here are some of the top newsletters we recommend:

@norml
@norml
@NCIAorg
@NCIAorg
@MinCannBusAssoc
@MinCannBusAssoc
@weedmaps
@weedmaps
@ganjapreneur
@ganjapreneur
@womengrow
@womengrow
@MJHeadlineNews
@MJHeadlineNews
@TheNACB
@TheNACB
@MJBizDaily
@MJBizDaily
@Leafly
@Leafly
@WeedStreet420
@WeedStreet420
@BzCannabis
@BzCannabis
@MarijuanaMoment
@MarijuanaMoment
@GreenEntrprnr
@GreenEntrprnr

Short for The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, NORML, @norml, is a must-follow for fans of cannabis advocacy.

The National Cannabis Industry Association, @NCIAorg, has been around since 2010 and is the oldest and largest cannabis trade association out there.

Dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and social justice throughout the cannabis industry, Minority Cannabis, @MinCannBusAssoc, creates must-read equity reports.

Your customers visit Weedmaps, @weedmaps—so join them online for a glimpse behind the curtain of one of the nation’s most successful cannabis-adjacent brands.

The X account of an industry-leading blog, Ganjapreneur, @ganjapreneur, offers breaking cannabis business news and commentary.

With a commitment to encouraging female participation in the cannabis industry, Women Grow, @womengrow, cultivates the next generation of leaders through their X feed.

Describing itself as The Voice of Legal Marijuana, MJ Headline News, @MJHeadlineNews, has been sharing breaking stories since 2013.

Centered around the mission of helping cannabis businesses collaborate and thrive, the National Association of Cannabis Businesses, @TheNACB, shares industry tips.

Like the newsletter of the same name, MJBiz, @MJBizDaily, shares trusted data and daily news for cannabis industry professionals.

One of the nation’s top online cannabis marketplaces, Leafly, @Leafly, shares the latest and greatest cannabis stories on its popular X feed.

Focusing on the business side of weed, WeedStreet420, @WeedStreet420, shares top stock and cannabis investing tips.

Sharing cannabis, hemp, CBD, and psychedelics-related news, Benzinga Cannabis, @BzCannabis, offers daily updates on the legal and financial growth of the industry.

Covering all cannabis news, Marijuana Moment, @MarijuanaMoment, tweets insights on federal, state, and international law and business, science, and culture.

Sharing stories on cannabis, CBD, and hemp, Green Entrepreneur, @GreenEntrprnr, covers the most important business news, tips, and inspiration.

Travel

Here are simple travel tips to help you have a stress-free (we hope) MJBizCon experience:

Where to Stay

MJBizCon hosts the event in the center of Las Vegas, so you have many options for excellent accommodations. Here are our top picks:

The Wynn
The Wynn
SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center
Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center
The Venetian
The Venetian
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Las Vegas Marriott
Las Vegas Marriott
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center
Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel
Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel

Known as the most luxurious hotel brand in Vegas, The Wynn is a must-visit if you’re paying with the company card! Five-star accommodations and cuisine make this spot unforgettable.

An easy walk from the convention center, SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino is a trendy spot with a killer bar for post-conference drinks. Rooms are moderately priced by the standards of the strip.

Once hosting Elvis, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino is known for its live entertainment, making it an excellent spot to catch a mid-conference show.

If you want to do Vegas right, staying at The Venetian is a must! The over-the-top theme and do-it-all decadence, from shopping to dining to shows, adds to an “only in Las Vegas” experience.

Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center provides comfort and convenience, as it is close to both the convention center and the Las Vegas Monorail.

Las Vegas Marriott stands out for its spacious suites and excellent service, ideal for business travelers and tourists.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center provides unbeatable value and convenience with its prime location near the convention center, stunning rooftop pool views, and amenities like free Wi-Fi and no resort fee.

Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel is known for its stylish decor and upscale dining options. It provides a sophisticated retreat steps from the convention center.

Download the Official MJBizCon App

The MJBizCon app is a good source of information on panels, networking events, convention information, and everything else you need to know.

There’s a conference timeline, agenda with session and speaker descriptions, and an interactive show map to guide you through the space.

We recommend using the My Show Planner feature to plan your visit, tagging the sessions and exhibitors you want to check out.

Here’s everything else you need to know on the road to MJBizCon 2024 (some of which we’ve covered above).

When is MJBizCon?

December 2-5, 2025

What is MJBizCon?

The largest cannabis conference in the world, MJBizCon, is a three day bonanza featuring over 200 speakers, 250,000 square feet of exhibits, and tons and tons of networking, information gathering, and partnership building opportunities.

Where is MJBizCon?

Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, MJBizCon is accessible from most hotels on the strip.

Should I Attend MJBizCon?

MJBizCon might not make sense for the average cannabis consumer, but it’s a must for industry professionals.

Is All SEO the Same? When Does Your Cannabis Brand or Dispensary Actually Need SEO?

Jessica Smith — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:07:38 +0000

On-Page Cannabis SEO
Off-Page Cannabis SEO
Technical Cannabis SEO
Dispensary (Local SEO)
Cannabis Brand SEO
The Takeaway

Is All SEO the Same? When Does Your Cannabis Brand or Dispensary Actually Need SEO?

Are you searching for how SEO can help your cannabis brand or dispensary rise above the competition? Look no further than this blog.

There’s never been a better time to establish a cannabis brand. As more states legalize cannabis, the market is growing rapidly, but this growth also brings intense competition. Standing out locally is crucial for dispensaries as more competitors enter the market.

So, what’s an ambitious Cannabis Brand or Dispensary to do?

The answer is strategic marketing. With a qualified agency partner, your brand or dispensary can master cannabis SEO. Effective SEO harnesses search terms to drive new customer traffic. If you want to thrive, you need SEO done right. Here’s how.

On-Page Cannabis SEO

The first level of cannabis SEO is the content users encounter when they first visit your site.

Once they arrive, the content on your page must correspond with their search intent. Search Terms, titles, headings, meta descriptions, and everything else must feel relevant and on-target. More than that, your page experience must be user-friendly and easily accessible; a high level of usability will prevent visitors from backtracking to another site.

Everything must be organized to present a polished, profesional, and SEO driven experience; this includes internal linking and using images with optimization and alt tags. But it can’t feel like you’re rooting for the robots; your content needs to feel organic and exude high levels of expertise, authority, and trust (EAT). More than that, it should be fun to read! A dedicated cannabis SEO agency can help you channel the voice of your brand and entice casual visitors to stick around.

Off-Page Cannabis SEO

There’s more going on in the world of cannabis SEO than meets the eye. In fact, much of the most critical work a cannabis SEO marketing firm can do for you will happen off the page in the form of backlinks.

The online cannabis landscape features a number of weed directories. Sites like Leafly and Weedmaps are where cannabis consumers often go to find local dispensaries and discover cannabis brands. A qualified cannabis SEO agency will help you gain backlinks on these sites and others so your brand can attract meaningful user traffic.

Technical Cannabis SEO

Let’s look further behind the curtain and see how developing a technical cannabis SEO strategy can help your brand grow. As you create your cannabis site, here are some of the technical details we can help you with:

Structured data: Utilizing structured data (schema) helps search engines comprehend the context of your website’s content, enhancing its visibility in search results.
Crawling and indexing: Ensuring your site is easily crawlable and indexable allows search engines to discover and catalog your pages effectively.
XML sitemaps: An XML sitemap acts as a roadmap for search engines, guiding them to all your essential pages and ensuring thorough indexing.
Page speed: Fast-loading pages improve user experience and may boost your rankings on search engines.
Navigation: A clear and intuitive navigation structure helps users and search engines find content easily, enhancing usability and SEO.
Site structure: A site structure that is well-organized makes it easier for search engines to crawl your site and for users to find the necessary information.
Canonical tags: Using canonical tags prevents duplicate content issues by telling search engines which version of a page is the master copy.
404 pages: Fixing 404 errors by redirecting broken links or updating URLs ensures users don’t encounter dead ends, improving overall user experience.
301 redirects: Implementing 301 redirects ensures that users and search engines are directed to the correct pages, preserving your SEO rankings and link equity.

When you have a cannabis SEO agency to handle all the technical details, you can focus on the quality of your product and the presence of your brand.

Dispensary (Local SEO)

This all sounds good, but what if you’re a local dispensary? Do dispensaries need SEO? In our opinion: Yes! Here’s why:

With the right SEO agency partner, you can turn your online dispensary pages into major drivers for in-person retail traffic.

We use research to learn what your competitors are doing so you can outperform them.
Since “dispensary near me” is a top search term, we use SEO to help searchers find their way to your dispensary.
We use Local Falcon to monitor the coverage area strength of your Google Business Profile listing.
We build up location pages to help people in your area discover what your dispensary has to offer.
We connect you to the biggest online weed directories so you’re easily searchable.
We create content that answers searchers’ intent.
We streamline your website design with UX and UI.
We help you create a rewards or loyalty program to keep customers coming back.

For example, Hybrid Marketing Co. successfully implemented these strategies for Rootdown Dispensary, significantly enhancing its local online presence and increasing foot traffic to their physical location.

Google Business Profile

This tool, formerly known as GMB or Google My Business, is essential to building your cannabis business’ online presence. Here are some ways an SEO cannabis marketing partner can help your profile create real-world results:

We handle the optimization of your profile.
We manage reviews.
We organize photos, name files, and ensure all files are the correct sizes.
We use UTMs to track performance.

Having an experienced partner in cannabis SEO by your side will guarantee that your Google Business Profile remains effective and compliant.

Don't Forget About Bing Places

Last but not least, there’s Bing Places. This Microsoft equivalent of Google Business Profile is used by Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, and many other non-Google Chrome browsers. It’s also used by Bing Maps and Bing-powered voice devices.

Working with your business interests in mind, a good cannabis SEO marketing agency can manage your Bing Places profile just like it manages your Google Business Profile and achieve the same outstanding results.

With Chrome as the internet’s favorite browser, you might wonder how much this functionality matters? While many people prefer Chrome for desktop and mobile searching, Bing is the default voice search engine for Amazon’s wildly popular Amazon Alexa devices, including the Echo family. With a cannabis SEO marketing agency on the case, your brand will be the first to appear when your target customer asks, “Alexa, where the weed at?”

Cannabis Brand SEO

Due to the industry’s unique challenges and regulations, building a solid online presence for a cannabis brand requires specialized SEO strategies. Implementing on-page, off-page, and technical SEO can significantly enhance your cannabis brand’s online visibility, attract more customers, and drive business growth. Regularly monitoring and adjusting your SEO efforts will help you stay ahead in the competitive cannabis market, ensuring compliance and maximizing reach.

The Takeaway: Why a Cannabis SEO Expert and Cannabis Marketing Agency Matter

By partnering with an expert SEO cannabis marketing agency, your company will be able to succeed on multiple fronts. Upgrading your content and user experience with the power of SEO will create better business outcomes for both established and pioneering entities in the cannabis industry.

In order for your cannabis business to grow, you need to invest in the tools and experts who can take your work to the next level, helping you reach new customers in the expanding, fast-paced cannabis market. SEO can get you there. And nobody does cannabis SEO like Hybrid!

Hybrid Marketing Co.

The Rise of Premium Brands: Thriving in the Growing Cannabis Industry

The Rise of Premium Brands: Thriving in the Growing Cannabis Industry

The Evolution of Cannabis Brands

Culture: Fashion, Design, and Lifestyle

The Intersection of Celebrities and Weed

Why is Branding Important in the Cannabis Industry?

The Top Premium Cannabis Brands Today

Future-Proof Your Brand for the Changing Cannabis Landscape

New State and Federal Legalization

Know Your Target Audience

Work with a Cannabis Branding Agency

Choose Wisely: Cannabis Events Tailored to Your Target Audience and Goals

Choose Wisely: Cannabis Events Tailored to Your Target Audience and Goals

The Importance of Cannabis Industry Events

The Most Common Types of Cannabis Industry Events

Understanding Your Target Audience to Determine the Events You Should Attend or Avoid

The Magnificent Seven Cannabis Industry Events

Defining Your Goals

Measuring Success and Return on Investment (ROI)

Tailoring Your Event Strategy

Booth Design

Branding

Presentations

Engaging Activities

Social Media

Marketing Strategies

Wrapping Up Your Cannabis Event Journey

Who’s Really Buying Cannabis in 2025? (Spoiler: It’s Not Who You Think)

Who’s Really Buying Cannabis in 2025? (Spoiler: It’s Not Who You Think)

Why Women Are Cannabis's Fastest-Growing Market Segment

What's Actually Drawing Women to Cannabis?

Millennials Are Still the Biggest Cannabis Spenders (And Here's Why)

Gen Z Is Ditching Alcohol for Weed and the Numbers Prove It

The Real Reasons Gen Z Chooses Cannabis Over Cocktails

Plot Twist: Your Grandparents Are Getting High Too

Why Seniors Are Embracing Cannabis (and What They Want)

How to Market to These Four Very Different Groups

What Each Generation Wants from Their Cannabis

Where Cannabis Marketing Is Headed (Hint: Think Female-First)

The Top Cannabis Trade Shows & Conventions to Attend in 2025

The Top Cannabis Trade Shows & Conventions to Attend in 2025

Top USA Cannabis Events

Feb 6-7, 2025 | Miami Beach, FL

June 8-10, 2025 | Chicago, IL

July 9-11, 2025 | Atlanta, GA

July 26-28, 2025 | San Antonio, TX

Sept 5-6, 2025 | Atlantic City, NJ

Oct 9-11, 2025 | Denver, CO

Nov 6, 2025 | New York, NY

Dec 2-5, 2025 | Las Vegas Convention Center

NCIA’s 13th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days and National Stakeholder Summit

May 13-15, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

June 12-13, 2025 | Rochester, NY

Aug 12-13, 2025 | St. Paul, MN

May 30-31, 2025 | Louisville, KY

May 22-23, 2025 | Chicago, IL

June 4-5, 2025 | New York, NY

July 18-19, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

March 21-22, 2025 | Boston, MA

Apr 29 – May 1, 2025 | Atlantic City, NJ

March 25, 2025 | Chicago, IL

June 4-5, 2025 | Northampton, MA

Aug 27-28, 2025 | Allegan, MI

March 19-20, 2025 | Ventura, CA

Top International Cannabis Events

March 13, 2025 | Barcelona, Spain

April 29-30, 2025 | Berlin, Germany

2025 Date TBA | Slovenia

March 14-16, 2025 | Barcelona, Spain

June 24-25, 2025 | London, UK

June 10-12, 2025 | Amsterdam, Netherlands

June 10-12, 2025 | Amsterdam, Netherlands

June 17-20, 2025 | Puerto Rico

Why Cannabis Industry Events Matter for Businesses

How to Get the Most Out of Cannabis Industry Events

Where Will You Be When the Industry Moves Forward?

The Best Cannabis Marketing Agencies

The Best Cannabis Marketing Agencies

Hybrid Marketing Co.