If anybody thought compliance in this sector was easy, they were kidding themselves.
This fun read from Forbes
Here’s a taster. Full article at the link above
Imagine you’ve just applied the finishing touches to a marketing campaign for a cannabis product.
Before you find which media outlets will run it, you submit creative to state regulators for approval.
And the ambiguity exercises begin.
“There is a common rule in most state regulations that you cannot market, design or advertise in any way that may appeal to children,” says Dustin Iannotti, cofounder and creative director of Artisans on Fire, a Las Vegas-based “cannabis-centric” marketing agency.
“There are absolutely no examples provided by the state regulators that better explain this rule.
“We have submitted work for state approvals that have been turned away for seemingly arbitrary reasons. We’ve been told…
- “There are too many bright colors on a billboard and that could appeal to children.
- “There is a rocket ship in the packaging design and the word ‘rocket’ relates to something being high, and that is too fun and could appeal to children.
- “There is a font in your print add that feels too loose and fun and could appeal to children.”
The Cannabis Collision Of Compliance And Creative
There’s an inordinate amount of time spent anticipating and navigating through regulatory ambiguities for cannabis marketing creative.
“We as a creative marketing agency end up feeling like we’re operating more as a compliance agency at times,” says Iannotti.
