1 Colo. Code Regs. § 212-3-3-720

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 22, November 25, 2024
Section 1 CCR 212-3-3-720 - Advertising: All Media

Basis and Purpose - 3-720

The statutory authority for this rule includes but is not limited to sections 44-10-202(1)(c), 44-10-203(1)(k), and 44-10-203(3)(a), C.R.S. Authority also exists in the Colorado Constitution at Article XVIII, Subsections 16(5)(a)(V) and (5)(a)(VIII). The purpose of this rule is to clarify the restrictions applicable to Advertising.

The operation of Regulated Marijuana Businesses in Colorado is authorized solely within the narrow confines of the Colorado Constitution, Article XVIII, Sections 14 and 16. The Colorado Constitution prohibits the purchase, possession, and consumption of Medical Marijuana by those under the age 18, and of Retail Marijuana by those under the age of 21. See for example Colo. Const. art XVIII, §16(1)(a), (1)(b)(I), (1)(b)(II), (2)(b), (3), (4), (5)(a)(V), (5)(c), and 6(c). The Colorado Constitution calls for the regulation of marijuana "in a manner similar to alcohol" in certain key respects. Colo. Const. Art. XVIII, §16(1)(b). The constitutionally mandated regulatory scheme governing Regulated Marijuana Businesses must include rules establishing restrictions on the advertising and display of marijuana and marijuana product, and must include requirements to prevent the sale or diversion of marijuana and marijuana product to minors. Colo. Const. Art. XVIII, §16(5)(a)(V) and (VIII). Through the Marijuana Code the Colorado General Assembly provided further direction regarding mandated advertising restrictions. See § 44-10-203(3)(a), C.R.S. Voluntary standards adopted by the alcohol industry direct the industry to refrain from advertising where more than 28.4 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be under the legal age of purchase. These rules apply to Advertising as defined in Rule 1-115. This Rule 3-720 was previously Rules M and R 1104, 1105, 1106, and 1107, 1 CCR 212-1 and 1 CCR 212-2.

A.Medical Marijuana Businesses. A Medical Marijuana Business may Advertise in television, radio, a print publication, or via the internet only where at least 71.6 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be at least the age of 21. A Medical Marijuana Business is prohibited from specifically directing Advertising and marketing to persons under 21 years of age.
B.Retail Marijuana Businesses. A Retail Marijuana Business may Advertise in television, radio, a print publication or via the internet only where at least 71.6 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be at least the age of 21.
C.Advertising for all Marijuana Businesses. Advertising proposes a commercial transaction or otherwise constitutes commercial speech. Advertising includes marketing.

1 CCR 212-3-3-720

42 CR 23, December 10, 2019, effective 1/1/2020
43 CR 21, November 10, 2020, effective 1/1/2021
44 CR 07, April 10, 2021, effective 5/1/2021
44 CR 13, July 10, 2021, effective 8/1/2021
44 CR 23, December 10, 2021, effective 1/1/2022
45 CR 21, November 10, 2022, effective 12/1/2022