Here’s the introduction to the piece
Marketing deals for marijuana companies are a veritable minefield — heavy hitters like Google and Facebook block them outright, and Instagram has gone so far as to shut down Berner’s personal account — which has nearly 2 million followers — for almost a month this summer for allegedly violating the network’s ban on promoting cannabis. The historically restrictive NCAA has long followed suit — official advertising guidelines still explicitly list “marijuana” as not allowed in college sports partnerships.
And yet, this month, Cookies and USC announced a three-year sponsorship deal that will put the Cookies name both on official USC merchandise and across the Trojans iconic Coliseum during games, according to Cookies President Parker Berling. It’s the first time a college team has partnered with a cannabis company in the NCAA’s history. And while everyone involved is quick to point out the deal is technically with Cookies’ CBD and wellness brand, promotions will feature the exact same Cookies logo that has become a global name in the marijuana business. There won’t be any distinction for fans in the stands.
https://www.sfgate.com/cannabis/article/usc-cookies-pot-deal-19763233.php
The Press Release
In a groundbreaking move, the University of Southern California Trojans have announced a pioneering partnership with Cookies, a California-based cannabis and wellness company, as reported by CBS Sports.
This sponsorship deal marks the first time a collegiate athletic program has partnered with a cannabis company.
The partnership extends to USC’s football team and both men’s and women’s basketball teams. Cookies CEO Berner expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “California is our home state and for Cookies to be involved with a premier athletic program, in the oldest private college in the state of California, is incredibly exciting for us.”
Drew DeHart, vice president and general manager of USC Sports Properties, highlighted Cookies’ innovative approach as a key factor in the decision.
“Cookies is the global leader in CBD but also an innovative brand deep in life-style culture and wellness,” DeHart said.
