Lujan Files Pro-Cannabis Advertising Bill
Senate Communications Subcommittee Chairman Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., filed the Secure and Fair Enforcement (Safe) Advertising Act Tuesday in a bid to allow broadcasters to air ads for cannabis and hemp products if a station is licensed in a state…
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where such products are legal. The House passed an FY 2023 omnibus appropriations package that includes funding for the FCC, FTC and Agriculture Department rural broadband programs (HR-8294) earlier this month with language barring the FCC from revoking or otherwise conditioning a broadcaster’s license because it airs ads for cannabis products (see 2206270061). The Safe Advertising Act mirrors the HR-8294 language’s intent in an expanded form. “As more states enact common-sense cannabis legislation, it’s crucial that radio and TV stations can accept advertising without fear of losing their license,” Lujan said. “With health and safety measures in place, this legislation will allow broadcasters to accept cannabis advertisements in accordance with” state laws. “Due to outdated government regulations, only local radio and television broadcasters face legal exposure for advertising cannabis products permitted under state law,” said NAB President Curtis LeGeyt. The Safe Advertising Act “would finally level the playing field and create necessary regulatory certainty for broadcasters.” New York State Broadcasters Association President David Donovan and New Mexico Broadcasters Association President Paula Maes praised the measure in statements circulated by the pro-cannabis ad group Safe Advertising Coalition.