Meeting Social Media Compliances for a Cannabis Business
At Further Insights we understand the importance of social media in reaching and engaging with customers. However, for cannabis businesses, navigating the social media landscape can be a challenge due to the complex and ever-changing regulations surrounding the industry. Here are some of the key considerations for cannabis businesses looking to comply with social media policies while creating engaging content.
It is important for cannabis businesses to understand that the promotion of cannabis products and services is illegal under federal law. This means that advertising for cannabis on social media platforms is not allowed, and any ads that violate this policy will be removed. However, this does not mean that cannabis businesses should avoid social media altogether. Instead, they should focus on creating educational and informative content that does not promote the use of cannabis.
Facebook and Instagram Policies
Facebook and Instagram are two of the most widely used social media platforms, and they have strict policies in place regarding the promotion of cannabis products. According to Meta’s advertising policies, ads for cannabis products and services are not allowed, and any ads that violate this policy will be removed. Organic posts are the only way to use these platforms. When creating posts do not use links that direct to your menu as that is considered promoting a sale. Further Insights can help cannabis businesses create organic content that complies with these policies while still effectively promoting your business.
LinkedIn, on the other hand, has a more permissive approach to cannabis-related content. While the platform does not allow the promotion of illegal drugs, it does permit the sharing of industry news and information about cannabis-related products and services, as long as the content is not misleading or promoting the use of cannabis. B2B marketing is essential to any cannabis business from growers to dispensaries, Further Insights can create a LinkedIn strategy for you that effectively communicates their brand and products while staying within the guidelines set by the platform.
Twitter vs. TikTok
Twitter has one of the most relaxed cannabis policies while TikTok has the strictest. Twitter's policies prohibit the promotion of illegal drugs, including cannabis, but does allow the advertising for CBD products in some countries. Paid social is possible on Twitter if you are able to isolate your CBD only products.TikTok's policies go farther and prohibit the depiction, promotion, or trade of cannabis. This means any imagery or words associated with cannabis in a TikTok video will cause the video to be removed. We recommend using your time to focus on Twitter over TikTok.
State Laws
In addition to creating compliant content, cannabis businesses must also be aware of the regulations surrounding their industry at the state level. Each state has its own set of laws and regulations regarding cannabis, and these can change frequently. As a marketing agency, we stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and laws to ensure that our clients' content is always compliant.
The Next Step
Social media is a powerful tool for cannabis businesses to connect with customers and promote their products and services. We understand the challenges facing cannabis businesses and can help them navigate the social media landscape while staying compliant. Further Insights is ready to create a social media strategy to increase your business. Our Scale Plan offers social media management. Take back your time while we stay aware of the policies and guidelines set by social media platforms and to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and laws at the state level so you don’t have to.
