If you own a cannabis business in 2026, you know that things are changing fast. Selling weed is now legal in many states, but the rules for how you can tell people about it or advertise are very strict. In the United States, selling cannabis is still a state-by-state game. What is okay to say in New York might get you in trouble in New Jersey.

Read this blog to understand the rules for 2026 so you can grow your business without getting big fines or losing your license.

1. The Big Picture: Federal vs. State Rules

In late 2025 and early 2026, the federal government took a huge step. They moved cannabis to Schedule III. This means they finally admitted that cannabis can be used as medicine.

However, this did not make it fully legal everywhere like a loaf of bread or a t-shirt. It just made it easier for scientists to study it and for businesses to pay their taxes. Because of this, most of your advertising rules still come from your specific state.

Why Compliance Matters

Compliance is just a fancy word for following the rules. If you don’t follow the rules:

• You might have to pay thousands of dollars in fines.
• The state could take away your license to sell.
• Social media sites like Instagram or TikTok might delete your account forever.

2. Rule Number One: Keep It Away from Kids

The most important rule in 2026 is that you must never, ever look like you are trying to sell to children. Every state has strict laws about this. So your provider of cannabis advertising solutions must follow these rules.

No Cartoons or Candy Looks

Cannot use cartoons, mascots, or bright colors that look like candy brands. If your ad looks like it belongs on a Saturday morning cartoon show, the government will stop you.

The 90% Rule

In many states, you can only put an ad in a place where at least 90% of the people seeing it are 21 years old or older. This means you have to be very careful with billboards and TV ads. You can’t put a billboard right next to or near a school, a playground, or a public park.

3. Don’t Play Doctor (No Medical Claims)

Even though the government moved cannabis to Schedule III, you still cannot promise that your products will cure anything.

• Don’t say: This gummy will cure your anxiety.
• Do say: Many people use this to feel more relaxed.

Unless the FDA (the food and drug people) gives you a special stamp of approval, you cannot say your weed is a medicine that fixes a disease. Stick to talking about how the product feels or the vibe it gives.

4. Using the Internet the Right Way

Most people find businesses on their phones. But social media and Google have their own sets of rules that are often tougher than the law.

Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)

In 2026, these sites still do not like paid ads for cannabis. If you try to pay them to show your ad to everyone, they will likely say no. Instead, you have to use organic marketing;  for this you can hire an SEO agency for dispensaries that knows these things very well. This means you post pictures and videos on your own page and hope people follow you.

• Use an Age Gate: Your website and your social media profiles should ask, Are you 21? before letting anyone see the content.
• No Buy Now links: Avoid putting direct links to buy weed in your bio. It’s better to link to your store’s location or an educational blog.

Email and Text Messages

In 2026, many businesses are using email and texts because they own those lists. But you must have permission. You cannot just buy a list of phone numbers and start texting them. People must opt-in (say yes) first.

5. The 2026 Checklist for Your Ads

Before you hit Post or print a flyer, run through this checklist. It’s less fun than a joint, but it’ll keep you out of trouble. The best SEO agency for dispensaries follow these rules.

• Age Warning: Does it say For 21+ only?
• Health Warning: Does it say it might cause impairment?
• Location: Is it at least 1,000 feet away from a school?
• Imagery: Are there any cartoons or kid-friendly colors?
• Claims: Did I promise to cure a sickness? Don’t do this!

6. Packaging and Labels

Your packaging is basically a walking, talking ad. In 2026, the law wants your labels to be clearer than your intentions at a college party.

What must be on the label:

1. The Universal Symbol: A small picture (usually a red triangle or a leaf) that tells people there is THC in here.
2. The Batch Number: A code that shows exactly when and where the weed was grown.
3. Testing Info: It must show that a lab checked it for bugs, mold, and chemicals.
4. How much is in it: It should clearly say how much THC is in the whole bag and in each piece (like for gummies).

7. The Hemp Confusion

A big change happened at the end of 2025. The government passed a law that made it much harder to sell hemp products that have a lot of THC (like Delta-8).

If you sell hemp products, you now have to follow almost all the same strict rules as regular cannabis. You can no longer pretend it’s just a plant from the farm to get around the rules. If it gets people high, the government is watching how you advertise it.

8. Working with Influencers

You might want to pay a famous person on the internet to talk about your store. This is a great idea, but they have to follow the rules too!

• The influencer must be 21 or older.
• Their audience must be mostly adults.
• They must say This is an ad or Paid Partnership.
• They cannot show themselves actually smoking or consuming the product in the ad in many states.

9. New Trends in 2026: CTV and DOOH

There are two new alphabet soup names you should know: CTV and DOOH.

• CTV (Connected TV): This means ads on streaming apps like Hulu or Roku. In 2026, more of these apps are letting cannabis brands show ads, but only to adults.
• DOOH (Digital Out-of-Home): These are digital billboards. You can change these ads instantly to show your Daily Deal or Happy Hour.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Putting an ad on a bus: Most cities don’t allow this because kids ride buses.
• Using Free or Giveaway language: Many states ban giving away free weed as a prize.
• Not having a warning box: Most states require a specific box of text that warns about the risks of using cannabis.

Keep your ads simple, keep them away from kids, and always check your local state laws before you hit post!

Summary: How to Win in 2026

Advertising cannabis in 2026 is all about being honest and adult. If you focus on teaching people about your brand and your quality, instead of trying to look cool for kids or making fake doctor promises, you will do great.

The laws are there to keep people safe. When you follow the laws, you show your customers that you are a professional business they can trust. If you don’t want to get involved in all of these confusing things, simply hire an agency providing cannabis advertising solutions like Kepler Leaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I advertise cannabis to everyone online?

No. Ads must target adults 21+ and follow platform rules.

Can I claim my products cure medical conditions?

No. Only describe effects or experiences, never promise cures.

Can I use influencers to promote my cannabis?

Yes, if they’re 21+, have mostly adult followers, and disclose paid partnerships.

What should I check before posting an ad?

Age warnings, health warnings, location, imagery, and no medical claims.

Do hemp products follow the same advertising rules?

Yes. THC hemp products must follow the same rules as cannabis.