A bill proposed in Maine would ban cannabis advertising in the state, WGME reports. State Sen. Scott Cyrway (R), the bill sponsor, said the legislation is needed because the state’s adult-use cannabis law had a “lack” of guardrails around advertising.  

“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 to WGME 

The bill includes exceptions for advertising on company websites, company signage and properties, and in business directories. The proposed ban would cover advertising for both medical and adult-use cannabis businesses. 

The current law contains some regulations on cannabis advertising including a ban on misleading and false claims or claims about the health benefits of cannabis, and prohibitions on ads within 1,000 feet of schools.  

Kasper Heinrici, CEO of dispensary Seaweed Co., told WGME that he opposes the ban, and that advertising should be permitted as long as it doesn’t appeal to children. 

“We believe that cannabis can enhance wellbeing when used in the proper way,” he said, “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.” 

The proposal is currently in the Senate Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. 

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