Governor Newsom says “no” to cannabis billboards along the busy streets of California

By Jelena Martinovic

It seems that cannabis billboards are not seen by the millions who drive on California’s many highways and back roads. Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday vetoed a law that would have allowed cannabis billboards along highways and federal highways that cross state lines, except within 15 miles of another state.

While state regulators issued rules in 2019 to clarify advertising restrictions along highways, these regulations have been in conflict with state law since January, according to a court order. In addition, the judge ruled that the officers did not have sufficient authority to approve the billboards.

Photo by Matthew Hamilton via Unsplash

The bill, AB 1302, sponsored by MP Bill Quirk, addressed the problem while banning cannabis billboards within 15 miles of the state line.

Newsom announced in a vetoed message that the move would “weaken” the protections contained in the 2016 poll on cannabis legalization.

“When voters passed Proposition 64, they put in place robust protections that protected youth from exposure to cannabis and cannabis advertisements,” Newsom wrote. “Among other things, voters have completely banned the advertising of cannabis on posters on all interstate highways and on all state highways that cross the California border. Allowing advertising on these busy roads could expose young passengers to cannabis advertising. “

RELATED: Terminally Ill Californians Have Access To Medical Marijuana In Hospitals

The move follows Newsom’s passing law expanding the hemp industry in California by legalizing the retail sale of consumer products made from hemp, as well as a law requiring hospitals and other health care facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana.

Cannabis billboards across the country

In other states that have legalized the plant, such as Michigan, cannabis billboards have their place on the streets despite a group of state lawmakers trying to get them down.

In Wolverine State, the billboards are regulated and all have been approved by the Marijuana Regulatory Agency. However, viewing photos of marijuana products is not permitted.

RELATED: Michigan Report: Cannabis Billboards Go Up But Legislators Wants Them Down

In Arizona, the law banning cannabis-related ads on billboards within 300 meters of schools, daycare centers, public parks and churches was voted down by 30-18 votes. Legislators said they were concerned about passing a law that would give the alcohol industry a promotional edge.

Meanwhile, Sacha Baron Cohen, an English actor, comedian, writer, and producer best known as Borat Sagdiyev and Brüno Gehard, recently sued Massachusetts-based cannabis dispensary Solar Therapeutics for displaying its borate image on a billboard without permission had used.

Cohen has accused Solar of copyright infringement, false advertising and misappropriation of its right to post on billboards, and is seeking $ 9 million in damages.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.