BILL NUMBER: S8552
SPONSOR: WEIK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the cannabis law, in relation to prohibiting advertise-
ments on television and radio of cannabis and cannabis products
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to prohibit advertisements on television and
radio of cannabis and cannabis products.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subdivisions 2 and 4 of section 86 of the cannabis law
to expand restrictions on cannabis advertising, including prohibitions
on television and radio ads, and requiring that all ads clearly identify
the responsible party and target an audience reasonably expected to be
over twenty-one.
Section 2 adds a new subdivision to section 132 of the cannabis law
establishing civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation for prohibit-
ed advertisements, with license revocation after a third violation,
following notice and an opportunity to be heard.
Section 3 directs the Office of Cannabis Management to adopt these regu-
lations within thirty days.
Section four of this bill establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
We must do everything we can to prevent children from using cannabis and
cannabis products. Current New York State law does not prohibit cannabis
advertising on radio or television, leaving a significant gap in safe-
guarding youth. This bill establishes much needed limitations and regu-
lations for advertising cannabis sales and use in New York State and
specifically eliminates television and radio advertising for cannabis
products. Removing this highly effective form of advertising will help
to protect children from the promotion of a product that is dangerous to
their health.
The bill also addresses another shortcoming in current law: the lack of
meaningful penalties for violations of cannabis advertising regulations.
This bill will also address that and help provide an effective deterrent
to those who break these laws.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, sections one
and two of this act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.

Statutes affected:
S8552: 132 cannabis law