Following up from our article in November, the California Bureau of Cannabis Control has 30 days to inform all cannabis business owners that they can no longer advertise on highways that cross state lines, according to a judgement issued by San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Ginger Garrett. The judgment has state-wide effect.
On Nov. 20, Judge Garrett ruled that marijuana billboards on California’s interstate highways are prohibited under Proposition 64, a voter initiative approved in 2016. Matthew Farmer, a SLO County resident and father of two, filed a public interest lawsuit in 2019 arguing that the billboards were illegal under California Proposition 64 and wrongfully exposed his children and millions of others to cannabis advertising.
In an Insider analysis, California attorney Richard Hamlin suggested the judges decision would have a major impact on OOH in California. He had hoped and argued that the OOH and/or Cannabis industries ask Judge Garrett for permission to intervene as a party, or to file a friend-of-the-court brief. If the industry is going to attempt this, it should be done quickly. The judge could reconsider her decision only until she signs a judgment.
With a judgement in place, it looks like highway advertising of cannabis will be banned.
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