Washington State Senator Drew MacEwen (R) has introduced Senate Bill 5206, a proposal seeking to amend the state’s marijuana retailer advertising regulations.
The legislation, which has been referred to the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee for consideration, outlines significant modifications to advertising restrictions for licensed cannabis businesses.
These changes primarily address signage, advertising content, and the use of mascots. Under the proposed legislation, cannabis retailers would be permitted to display up to four trade name signs on their licensed premises, a notable shift from current limitations. Each sign must adhere to a size restriction of no more than 1,000 square inches and must be either affixed to the building or placed in a window visible to the public.
The bill also establishes new criteria for what constitutes acceptable advertising. Retailers would be prohibited from using mascots, cartoons, or imagery likely to appeal to individuals under the age of 21. Additionally, cannabis-related advertisements would be banned in transit locations, such as buses, bus stops, and train stations, to further limit exposure to minors.
Another key provision of SB 5206 is the clarification of restrictions on outdoor advertising near schools, playgrounds, and other locations frequented by children. It also explicitly prohibits any advertisement that depicts cannabis products or suggests their consumption.
According to proponents of the measure, it seeks to strike a balance between allowing businesses to market their products effectively and maintaining public health safeguards, particularly for youth. Opponents of the measure argue that the restrictions are arbitrary and are trying to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.
For the full text of the measure, click here.
