The ABA is joining other state broadcasting associations to launch a lobbying effort around marijuana advertising. We are asking Congress to provide more legal clarity on advertising rules and help us close the gap between state-level marijuana laws that decriminalize its use and federal marijuana laws that continue to ban it.  

This will be an expensive effort, but we’re doing it with careful thought. Marijuana is expected to be a massive advertising category for broadcasters, yet because broadcasters are federal licensees, there remains large risk in running ads.

Our association goal will be nothing more or less than to bring bi-partisan clarity to the conflicting rules and ensure stations have the ability to accept or decline business from this category without fear of legal uncertainty. 

As you know, Arizona is one of 15 states that has passed laws legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana use. Another 33 states have passed laws permitting medical use of marijuana or CBD. 

While the ABA can’t serve as your legal counsel, we can offer up the best opinions available until there is more resolution. The ABA recently commissioned the below legal reviews with ABA attorney Tom Chauncey.

ABA LEGAL REVIEW: Taking CBD and marijuana digital advertising

ABA LEGAL REVIEW: Taking CBD and marijuana broadcast advertising