Alabama State Advertising Regulations
The state of Alabama has a compelling interest in ensuring that any advertising or marketing campaign related to or involving medical cannabis does not encourage, promote, or otherwise create any impression that cannabis is legal, therapeutic, or beneficial, except as specifically authorized by the Act and these Rules.
Any name, logo, sign, advertisement, or other marketing campaign or program on behalf of a licensee, regardless of the medium, must adhere to specific guidelines. First, it must not include references to, or be accompanied by, any image that resembles a cartoon character or any individual (actual or fictional) whose audience is more than fifteen percent (15%) minors. Furthermore, it is prohibited from marketing, distributing, offering, selling, or licensing any apparel or other merchandise related to the sale of medical cannabis.
Additionally, the marketing material must not suggest, either directly or indirectly, a relationship to edibles such as candy, cookies, brownies, cakes, or beverages. It is also forbidden to include designs or other presentational effects commonly used to target minors. The material must not suggest or indicate that the product or entity in the advertisement has been approved or endorsed by the Commission, the State of Alabama, or any associated person, entity, or agency.
Advertisements must be consistent with the medicinal and approved use of medical cannabis. They should not encourage the use of medical cannabis for conditions other than those qualifying under medical guidelines. Moreover, marketing materials must not contain false or misleading statements, unapproved names, or depictions of cannabis plants or parts thereof, except in specific contexts such as signs and materials provided inside a dispensing site or on a website for patients and caregivers.
Lastly, the use of slang terms, references to unlicensed uses of cannabis, disparagement of competitor products, and any obscene, indecent, or profane statements or depictions are strictly prohibited. Statements regarding the health benefits or therapeutic efficacy of cannabis or medical cannabis must be supported by substantial clinical data to be included in any marketing or advertising materials.