You must have heard about the ‘green rush' and if you haven't heard yet, it is coming like wildfire as so many states legalize weed and more marijuana companies are becoming publicly traded; putting more products on the market and trying to find their targeted audience. Yes, the cannabis industry is one that is exciting, lucrative and growing. And that is why online cannabis promotion is of so much importance.
Now, the cannabis market is evolving and stock investment is becoming more dominant. Apps are being created and pot enthusiasts are into photo sharing and Youtube.com videos. There are some restrictions and several regulations that companies promoting marijuana products online should be aware of. Online cannabis promotion and these regulations and/or restrictions might limit a company's potential audience reach.
There are some top guidelines that you need to pay attention to if you want to get your cannabis business in front of the right online consumers without it being legally troublesome.
The States
Since legalization took place at the state level in the United States, companies have been trying ways to market and advertise, especially online. The cannabis promotion has increased online, but companies have to check the regulations put in place by the state governments. Let us look at some of the states and their level of restriction placed on cannabis promotion online. First of all, the states that have restrictions on digital marketing and advertising include:
- Washington
- Oregon
- California
- Nevada
- Montana
- Colorado
- Minnesota
- Illinois
- New York
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- Florida
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Maine
The states that have no restrictions as it relates to digital marketing and advertising in cannabis promotion online include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- Michigan
- Vermont
- Rhode Island
- Maryland
If your state is not listed in any of the above mentioned, then you should just assume that you would face online restrictions when it comes to cannabis promotion online.
Advertising Companies
If you have ever tried to use Facebook and Google Adwords, then you should know that these companies stick to the laws of your state when they set their own company policies. This is the case even if you are thinking about implementing audience targeting, which is state specific. One thing to note and that is you might have the ability to run one ad for up to two days. However, you may be targeted for illegal cannabis promotion and eventually shut down by the feds. As we wait for federal guidelines to change as things evolve, you have to be very creative in your cannabis promotion. Lucky for you, there are several guidelines that you can adhere to and this is to protect your business and yourself. Here are some of the guidelines to consider below.
Search Engine Optimization
Like any other business, search engine optimization is one of the key components to cannabis promotion. It helps to drive visitors to your website. Be careful to look at the guidelines that these platforms might have as it relates to restrictions or limitations on cannabis promotion. Using organic SEO tactics will not only save you money, but it will minimize the risks.
Packaging and Branding
Branding is essential to any cannabis business and so is packaging. There are definitely guidelines associated with the latter as well as the former. Any company selling marijuana products online have to make sure that their packaging is child proof and tamper proof and follows the local state laws. There are certain branding efforts that have restrictions, but it depends on where you reside. The laws continue to change and so will your packaging and branding as you try to adjust to the new regulations.
Go To Your Market
While you are doing your cannabis promotion and you find that your ads are getting blocked, you have other options. Go to where the marijuana culture is thriving online. There are so many cannabis enthusiasts and people who are curious that want more information about the market, products and brands. This might include forums, message boards and groups.
