House Votes to Allow Cannabis TV & Radio Ads

The U.S. House on Wednesday approved a package of budget bills, including one that would allow radio and television broadcasters to air cannabis advertisements in states where cannabis is legal, Inside Radio reports. The measure would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from taking administrative action against broadcasters that accept cannabis ads.

Currently, local TV and radio stations cannot accept such ads, while cable, satellite, internet, print, billboard companies, and social media providers are allowed to run cannabis advertisements.

David Donovan, president of the New York State Broadcasters Association, and leader of the Safe Advertising Coalition, called the bill’s passage “a major step forward to level the playing field for local radio and TV broadcasters.”

“The provision makes clear that the law of the state in which a station is licensed should determine whether a station can accept cannabis advertising if they so choose. … We look forward to working with the U.S. Senate and the FCC to help restore parity between local broadcasters and other media outlets.” — Donovan in a statement via Inside Radio

As a budget bill, the measure would only be in effect during the fiscal year that begins October 1; however, if successful, lawmakers or the FCC could decide to make it permanent.

National Association of Broadcasters Spokesman Alex Siciliano told Inside Radio that the group backs the reforms and that the organization “will continue to work with policymakers for a permanent resolution to this competitive disparity to the benefit of consumers.”

According to Statistica, cannabis ad spending in North America is estimated to reach $1.6 billion in 2022 and $4.5 billion by 2030.