Arizona’s House of Representatives has approved House Bill 2179, a measure introduced last month by State Representative Selina Bliss (R).
The legislation establishes strict advertising regulations for marijuana businesses and nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries. The bill will receive one more House vote (third reading) before moving to the Senate.
If enacted, HB 2179 would prohibit marijuana businesses from advertising in ways that could appeal to individuals under 21 years old. This includes using imagery of cartoons, toys, or fictional characters and referencing brands commonly associated with children’s products. The bill also bans advertisements depicting marijuana consumption and prohibits marketing that highlights THC potency levels.
Further restrictions outlined in the bill include limits on where marijuana advertisements can be placed. Advertising would be prohibited in airports, public transportation, and billboards within 1,000 feet of childcare centers, schools, churches, substance abuse recovery facilities, and parks. Additionally, social media or online advertisements would only be allowed if at least 73.6% of the expected audience is over the age of 21.
To ensure consumer awareness, all marijuana advertisements would be required to include a warning stating: “Do not use marijuana if you are under 21 years of age or pregnant. Keep marijuana out of reach of children.” This warning must occupy at least 10% of the advertisement’s space in black font on a white background.
Enforcement of these restrictions would fall under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Attorney General, with violations subject to disciplinary action from the Department of Health Services. Businesses found in noncompliance would have seven days to rectify violations upon notification. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, if signed into law.
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