Marijuana Advertising and Marketing Regulations in Montana

What Are The Specific Rules And Restrictions For Advertising And Marketing Marijuana Products in Montana?

Advertising and marketing of marijuana products in Montana is subject to the following restrictions:

1. Advertising must not target minors.

2. Marijuana products must not be advertised or marketed in any manner that would be attractive to children.

3. Advertising and marketing of marijuana products must clearly and conspicuously state that marijuana remains an illegal substance under federal law.

4. Advertising must not be false or misleading, or contain any health claims or statements about marijuana products.

5. Marijuana advertising and marketing activities must not be conducted in any public area, including on broadcast stations, in print publications, on billboards, and on mobile devices.

6. Advertising and marketing of marijuana products must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

7. Advertising and marketing of marijuana products must not portray marijuana as having any medical benefits or encourage the excessive use of marijuana.

8. Advertising and marketing of marijuana products must not be placed near schools or other places where minors are likely to frequent.

Are There Limitations On Where Marijuana Advertisements Can Be Displayed, Such As Near Schools Or Parks in Montana?

Yes. In Montana, all advertising of marijuana and marijuana-related products must be in compliance with the Montana Marijuana Act, the Montana Administrative Rule, and the Montana Code Annotated. This includes restrictions on advertising within 1,000 feet of schools or parks. Additionally, all marijuana advertisements must be age-restricted and not be visible to persons under 21 years of age.

How Do State Regulations Address Advertising To Minors Or Individuals Under The Legal Age For Marijuana Consumption in Montana?

The state of Montana has several regulations that address the advertising of marijuana products to minors and individuals under the legal age for marijuana consumption. These regulations dictate that any advertising must not be directed at, or target minors. Additionally, advertisements must not contain images or representations of children, or feature cartoon characters or language likely to attract minors. Additionally, advertisements must not contain any health claims about marijuana products, and must not make any representations about the quality of marijuana products. Finally, advertisements must not contain any statements or images that facilitate or glamorize the illegal use of marijuana.

What Are The Guidelines For Advertising Via Television, Radio, Print Media, And Online Platforms in Montana?

1. Television – Advertising on television in Montana must follow the regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Montana Department of Commerce. This includes ensuring that any claims made in advertisements are not false or misleading, as well as ensuring that any advertisement does not contain indecent material or language.

2. Radio – Radio advertisements in Montana must also adhere to FCC and Montana Department of Commerce regulations. This includes ensuring that any claims made in advertisements are not false or misleading, as well as ensuring that any advertisement does not contain indecent material or language.

3. Print Media – Print advertisements in Montana must also adhere to FCC and Montana Department of Commerce regulations. This includes ensuring that any claims made in advertisements are not false or misleading, as well as ensuring that any advertisement does not contain indecent material or language. Additionally, newspaper and magazine advertisements may also be required to include disclaimers if the content is political or commercial in nature.

4. Online Platforms – Many online platforms, including social media sites, have their own set of rules and regulations regarding advertising. All advertising content posted on these platforms should adhere to platform-specific guidelines as well as broader FCC and Montana Department of Commerce regulations. For example, any claims made in advertisements should not be false or misleading, and any advertisement should not contain indecent material or language.

Are There Restrictions On Using Billboards Or Outdoor Advertising For Marijuana Products in Montana?

Yes, there are restrictions on using billboards or outdoor advertising for marijuana products in Montana. Advertising and promotional activities for marijuana products must be conducted in a manner that, at a minimum, prevents the dissemination of statements or images that:

• Attract minors;
• Associate marijuana use with certain groups of people;
• Encourage recreational use of marijuana;
• Promote overconsumption of marijuana; or
• Are false or misleading.

Additionally, the state has imposed a sales and promotion restriction by prohibiting any advertisement or promotion within 500 feet of a school, playground, or child care facility.

Do State Regulations Prohibit False Or Misleading Advertising Claims For Marijuana Products in Montana?

Yes, state regulations prohibit false or misleading advertising claims for marijuana products in Montana. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has statutorily prohibited marijuana businesses from making any false or misleading advertising statements. According to Title 50, Chapter 46, Section 50-46-307 of the Montana Code Annotated, marijuana businesses may not advertise any information that is false, deceptive, or misleading. The statute also states that marijuana businesses are prohibited from making or authorizing any statement about the efficacy, safety, or medicinal value of marijuana products which is not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence.

How Are Social Media And Digital Advertising Platforms Regulated For Marijuana Products in Montana?

In Montana, social media platforms and digital advertising platforms are regulated for marijuana products by the Montana Department of Revenue. The department has issued guidance on advertising of marijuana products, which includes all forms of advertising including social media and digital advertising. The guidance outlines the parameters of what is allowed and what is prohibited in regards to advertising marijuana products. For example, it is illegal to target or intentionally seek out individuals under 21 years of age when advertising marijuana products. Additionally, any type of advertising must indicate that marijuana products are for adults 21 and older and must not make false or misleading claims about the product. Furthermore, any advertising must not include images of minors, cartoons, or other images that may be attractive to minors.

Are There Rules Governing The Use Of Endorsements Or Testimonials In Marijuana Advertisements in Montana?

Yes, there are rules governing the use of endorsements or testimonials in marijuana advertisements in Montana. According to state law, marijuana products may not be advertised with endorsements or testimonials from celebrities, or with any false, deceptive, or misleading statements. Additionally, any marijuana products that are advertised must not appeal to minors or portray the product in a manner that is false, misleading, or deceptive. Finally, all marijuana advertisements must also include the following statement: “This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health.”

Do State Regulations Require Health And Safety Warnings In Marijuana Advertisements in Montana?

No, state regulations do not require health and safety warnings in marijuana advertisements in Montana. Advertising and marketing of marijuana products in Montana is restricted to adults 21 and older, and must follow specific rules and regulations. These rules specify what kinds of advertising are allowed, the language that can be used, and other general guidelines. There are no specific requirements for health and safety warnings in marijuana advertisements.

Is It Allowed To Use Cartoons, Mascots, Or Imagery That May Appeal To Children In Marijuana Ads in Montana?

No. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services states that marijuana advertisements may not appeal to minors, including through the use of cartoons, mascots, or imagery.

How Do Marijuana Advertising Regulations Apply To Packaging And Labeling in Montana?

In Montana, marijuana advertising regulations apply to both packaging and labeling. Marijuana businesses must comply with all applicable state laws and regulations when advertising and packaging marijuana products. Packaging and labeling must include the name, address, phone number of the producer or processor, the THC concentration, the date of manufacture, and a warning label stating the product contains marijuana and is only intended for use by adults 21 years of age or older. Marijuana businesses must also comply with strict requirements regarding font size, color, and placement of the warning label as well as any additional labeling required by the Montana Department of Revenue. Additionally, packaging and labeling may not use false or misleading statements regarding the product’s efficacy or health benefits, or make any promises of a cure or relief from any condition. Any packaging featuring graphics, images, or text which could appeal to minors is prohibited. Finally, all marketing materials must display the following statement: “This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.”

Are There Restrictions On Giveaways, Promotions, Or Contests Related To Marijuana Products in Montana?

Yes. The rules regarding giveaways, promotions, or contests related to marijuana products in Montana are outlined in the Montana Department of Revenue’s Administrative Rules in Title 35, Chapter 3, Part 6. In general, marijuana licensees may not give away any marijuana-infused products or paraphernalia as part of a promotion, giveaway, or contest. Licensees can, however, provide non-marijuana-infused items such as hats, t-shirts, and other promotional items. Additionally, licensees must ensure that any promotions or contests they offer comply with all applicable state laws and regulations.

What Penalties Or Consequences Can Businesses Face For Non-Compliance With Advertising Regulations in Montana?

Businesses in Montana that don’t comply with advertising regulations can face both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties imposed by the Montana Department of Justice for non-compliance range from a written warning to a maximum fine of $2,500 per violation.

Criminal penalties are typically determined by the courts and could include fines, jail time, or both. Businesses may also be required to pay restitution for any harm caused by their advertising practices. Additionally, businesses that fail to comply with advertising regulations may be subject to an injunction, which prohibits them from engaging in any activities that violate the law.

Do State Regulations Distinguish Between Medical And Recreational Marijuana Advertising in Montana?

Yes, state regulations in Montana do distinguish between medical and recreational marijuana advertising. All marijuana advertising must include the name of the licensee and the logo or slogan of the licensee. Additionally, advertising must only be placed in locations where at least 70% of viewers are 21 years of age or older. The Montana Department of Revenue also requires that all medical marijuana advertising contain the following statement: “For use only by qualified patients with a medical marijuana card issued by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.” Recreational marijuana advertising is subject to different requirements.

How Do Advertising Regulations Apply To Out-Of-State Or National Cannabis Brands in Montana?

The regulations for advertising cannabis in Montana are the same for all businesses, regardless of whether they are local or out-of-state. All advertisements must be limited to adults 21 and over and cannot appeal to minors. Advertising cannot be false or misleading, and must not depict the use of marijuana in a false or misleading way. All advertising must comply with federal law, and cannot contain any health, safety, or therapeutic claims. Advertising cannot involve promotional giveaways or incentives as well as endorsements by celebrities, athletes, or other public figures. Ads for cannabis-related products must also be pre-approved by the Montana Department of Revenue before they can be used.

Are There Restrictions On The Use Of Terms Like Medical, Therapeutic, Or Natural In Marijuana Advertisements in Montana?

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of terms like medical, therapeutic, or natural in marijuana advertisements in Montana. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has developed regulations that prohibit the sale and advertisement of medical marijuana for any purpose other than the treatment of a debilitating medical condition. Additionally, no medical marijuana advertisement may include any claims about the therapeutic or curative properties of marijuana. Furthermore, any advertisement for medical marijuana must include a disclaimer that states: “This product has not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”

What Resources Are Available To Help Businesses Understand And Comply With Marijuana Advertising Regulations in Montana?

1. Montana Department of Revenue: The Department of Revenue’s Alcohol & Tobacco Control Division provides an online guide, “Advertising Guidelines for Marijuana Businesses in Montana” that outlines the rules for advertising marijuana businesses in Montana.

2. Montana NORML: The Montana chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) provides resources for local businesses looking to understand and comply with marijuana advertising regulations in the state.

3. Local Law Enforcement: Local law enforcement agencies are also available to provide guidance to businesses looking to understand and comply with marijuana advertising regulations in Montana.

4. Professional Legal Counsel: Business owners may wish to seek professional legal counsel to ensure that their advertising practices are compliant with state regulations.

Is There A Process For Reporting And Addressing Violations Of Marijuana Advertising Regulations in Montana?

Yes, there is a process for reporting and addressing violations of marijuana advertising regulations in Montana. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is the primary agency responsible for regulating the sale and advertising of marijuana products in Montana.

Anyone who observes advertising or other practices promoting marijuana products that violate Montana laws or regulations should contact the DPHHS directly. The DPHHS will review the complaint and, if warranted, will investigate the alleged violation to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to address any issues. Depending on the severity of the violation, corrective action may include a warning, civil penalty, or criminal prosecution.

Do State Regulations Provide Guidance On Responsible Marketing Practices For Marijuana Businesses in Montana?

Yes, the Montana Department of Revenue (DOR) has specific regulations in place to provide guidance to cannabis businesses regarding responsible marketing practices. Specifically, the DOR requires cannabis businesses to abide by the following:

– They may not advertise in any manner likely to appeal to minors;
– They must adhere to local zoning ordinances;
– They may not make false or misleading statements about their products;
– They may not use any language that encourages overconsumption of cannabis products;
– They may not use celebrities or cartoon characters in any advertising or promotions;
– Advertising may not be placed within 1,000 feet of a school, public park, or recreational center.

Additionally, Montana requires all marijuana businesses to include a warning label on all products and advertising that states “This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming”.

How Do State Regulations Balance The Need To Inform Consumers With The Goal Of Preventing Overconsumption Or Underage Access in Montana?

The Montana Department of Revenue works to balance the need to inform consumers with the goal of preventing overconsumption or underage access by enforcing a number of regulations. These include:

1. Requiring all retailers to check IDs of anyone who appears under the age of 27 before selling any alcohol, as well as keeping records to monitor alcohol sales.

2. Prohibiting the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 21 and providing retailer training on how to identify false IDs.

3. Restricting off-premises sales of alcoholic beverages to certain times and limiting the amount that consumers can purchase in a single transaction.

4. Requiring establishments that sell alcohol to provide visible signs displaying the legal drinking age and have prominently posted signs that indicate when minors are prohibited from entering the premises.

5. Prohibiting delivery services from selling or delivering alcoholic beverages between the hours of 10 PM and 8 AM, or on Sundays unless specifically permitted by law.

6. Banning open containers in motor vehicles, regardless of whether they are being driven or parked, and banning the possession of an open container on any public street, sidewalk, roadway, or highway.

7. Prohibiting bars, taverns, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcoholic beverages from offering certain types of discounts that could promote overconsumption or underage access, such as two-for-one specials or happy hour discounts.

8. Requiring all alcohol advertisements to include a health warning about the dangers of drinking in excess and a reminder about illegal sales to minors.