Maine bill would ban advertisements for cannabis

March 11, 2025

AUGUSTA (WGME) — Marijuana in Maine may be legal, but a new bill up for debate at the State House wants to ensure advertising for it is not.

Shops throughout Maine have been selling recreational marijuana for more than four years, but the rules around advertising the product still remain up in the air.

“I feel like these ads are OK as long as they do not go towards minors,” Adrian Alie, who opposes a cannabis advertising ban, said.

Senator Scott Cyrway is sponsoring legislation that looks to regulate cannabis advertising.

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He says it’s about putting children first.

“There was a lack of putting some guardrails,” Cyrway said. “I always think of the children first, and it is a big problem that we have not considered them, and that is why I am doing this.”

Cyrway says the bill prohibits all forms of marketing and advertising.

There are three exceptions: on company websites, on company signs and properties and business directories.

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Lawmakers are proposing this bill for both medical and recreational cannabis use.

Dispensary owners are not for it. They say as long as the advertisement is not directed towards children, it should be allowed.

“We believe that cannabis can enhance wellbeing when used in the proper way, so that is not to be used by minors, and we try to adhere to that, and we think that should be applied to all cannabis use, whether that is medical or adult use,” Seaweed Co. CEO Kasper Heinrici said.

Others support an advertisement ban.

“I don’t think it should be advertised or encouraged by any means,” ban supporter Paul Hawkes said. “It is not good for your lungs or good for your health.”