Cannabis advertising and promotion
Last updated on May 31, 2023On this page:
Licensee and authorization holder responsibilities
All cannabis promotion must follow the
The Cannabis Control and Licensing Act regulates who may promote cannabis to sell it. Only people who have a marketing licence or cannabis store licence or authorization can promote and sell cannabis to adults age 19 and over in B.C.
All cannabis licensees, authorization holders and permittees must be aware of and follow federal and provincial laws about the promotion and advertising of
- Cannabis
- Cannabis accessories
- Services related to cannabis
Cannabis promotion prohibitions
The federal Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations have strict rules around promotions and advertising of cannabis, cannabis accessories and services related to cannabis. These rules restrict advertising and promotions in a place where minors may be or are permitted.
Read the Cannabis Promotion Prohibitions from Health Canada to find a summary of the rules and commonly asked questions about cannabis promotion prohibitions.
For further information, please contact Health Canada's Cannabis Information Centre by
- Email: cannabis@canada.ca
- Phone: 1-866-337-7705
For information about liquor, visit liquor advertising and online promotions.
If a cannabis ad concerns you, you can submit a complaint.
Contests
Contests involving cannabis, cannabis accessories, and cannabis-related items are prohibited under the Cannabis Act.
Cannabis store names
The cannabis store name must:
- Comply with federal rules for advertising
- To learn more, refer to the Cannabis Act
- Not use language that encourages intoxication
- Not appear to be associated with the government or a function of the government
- Not imply the sale of medical cannabis. The following words can’t be included in the store name:
- Apothecary
- Pharmacy
- Medicines
- Drug
- Dispensary
- Any other words or symbols with similar meaning
To learn more, refer to the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act.