Cannabis Ad Creative That Passes Review
The simple rules that keep dispensary ads approved, and the common mistakes that get them rejected.
4 min read
Cannabis ads get reviewed before they run. Most rejections come from a short list of mistakes, and most of those are easy to avoid once you know them.
What gets ads rejected
- Product photos: flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes
- Anyone consuming cannabis, or imagery that suggests it
- The word "marijuana"
- Anything that could appeal to people under 21: cartoons, bright candy styling, young-looking models
- Health or medical claims
- Any link between cannabis and driving
- Testimonials
What's allowed
- Your business name and logo, which are required
- Offers and promotions, like a first-visit discount
- Your location, hours and a clear reason to visit
- Clean, brand-led design with lifestyle or abstract imagery
The landing page counts too
Reviewers look at where the ad goes, not just the ad. Send people to a professional page on your own site. An age gate on that page is recommended. If you advertise in California, your license number needs to appear.
Sizes and formats
Display banners run in standard sizes, including 300x250, 728x90, 320x50, 160x600, 300x600 and 970x250. JPG, PNG, GIF and HTML5 all work. Streaming TV spots should be MP4, 1920x1080, 15 or 30 seconds.
We build a full display set for $150, or you can send your own.
A note on advice
These are the ad network's creative rules, not legal advice. Your own compliance obligations under Missouri law are a question for your legal counsel.