Senator Alexis Weik (R) introduced legislation today in the New York Senate that would prohibit advertising cannabis or cannabis products on TV or radio.
New York State Capitol Building.
The bill, filed on October 24 and referred to the Senate Rules Committee, amends several sections of the state’s cannabis law with a focus on prohibiting advertisements that appear on television or radio.
Under the proposal, businesses licensed to operate in New York’s cannabis industry would be barred from placing ads on either medium. Billboard advertising would also remain restricted. The bill adds language clarifying that conditional license applicants, as well as current licensees, would face penalties if they fail to comply. This could include fines, denial of renewal applications, or even revocation of licenses for repeated violations.
The measure directs the Cannabis Control Board to enforce the rules and ensure that advertisements are not false, misleading, or designed to appeal to children. In addition, marijuana businesses would not be allowed to use giveaways, discounts, coupons, or other inducements in advertising campaigns.
According to the bill text, any licensee found violating the advertising provisions would be subject to civil penalties of up to $20,000 per day. The board would also be required to deny renewal or revoke licenses from operators with repeat violations, underscoring the measure’s strict enforcement framework.
If enacted, the new rules would take effect immediately, though the bill specifies that it would remain in place for 90 days unless extended or made permanent through further legislative action.
The legislation marks the latest attempt by state lawmakers to control the scope of marijuana advertising in New York as the regulated market continues to expand.
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