Cannabis marketing for NYC, by New Yorkers
At CannaContent, we’re not just cannabis marketers with years of experience — our roots run deep in New York City. Our agency started here, over munchies at the Whole Foods – Bryant Park cafeteria. We’ve been a part of the New York City cannabis business community for many years. Our executive leadership either lives here or has lived here. And because of that first-hand experience, we can authentically speak to what the scene is like. That’s the CannaContent difference — and you can benefit from it.
Cannabis marketing rules in New York City:
What you need to know
In New York City, the rules for marketing and advertising are regulated by the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB). You can view the full regulations on the CCB website.
TL;DR? Here’s a summary of the main things you need to know before launching a single campaign.
- Do not design any advertising or marketing that could appear to someone under the age of 21. In New York, this is defined as the use of bright colors, cartoon characters, using words that can appeal to children like “candy,” and childlike fonts such as bubble letters. You also need to be mindful about using images of people who may look under 21.
- Adult-use cannabis dispensaries cannot make health claims, even when supported by a third party such as a scientific study.
- Any “reasonable” marketing is allowed, as long as it “does not jeopardize public health or safety, promote youth use, or be attractive to individuals under twenty-one.”
- Licensees must be able to prove that their marketing efforts target an audience that’s at least 90% 21 and older.
- Sponsoring an event or charitable organization is allowed, as long as the cannabis company is advertised to an audience that’s at least 90% 21 and older.
- Age gates on websites are required.
- Billboards are not allowed.
- Prices or price reductions cannot be promoted.
- Loyalty programs may not be used.
- Car wraps are not allowed.
In addition, the following statements must be included:
“For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children and pets. In case of accidental ingestion or overconsumption, contact the National Poison Control Center hotline 1-800-222-1222 or call 9-1-1. Please consume responsibly.” Alternatives to this statement may also be required depending on the advertisement.
Cannabis clients we’ve worked with in New York
Develop your cannabis marketing strategy with proud New Yorkers
Our executive team either lives or has lived in New York City for many years. That makes a difference in shaping the digital marketing strategies that actually cut out the clutter and speak authentically to New Yorkers.
Content marketing
At CannaContent, our award-winning former journalists spearhead your editorial strategy, blending their newsroom experience with years of marketing experience. The result is content that makes your shop a go-to destination that’s worth getting on the subway to visit.
It’s no coincidence that our clients consistently secure top spots in search results. That’s because we believe in the strength of the message and how that message connects to the people. If the people want it, they’ll click on it — and people want to read what we write for our clients.
- Become a thought leader in the cannabis space
- Journalism-quality content hyper-focused on high standards
- Educate and inform customers while feeding SEO strategy
Search engine optimization + local SEO
In New York City, ”local” is measured in blocks, not miles. When neighborhood-by-neighborhood nuance makes or breaks a business, your SEO strategy needs to match. You’re in good hands with CannaContent — most of us either currently live in the city or have lived there at some point in our lives, so we understand what “local” actually means to your potential customers. There’s no guesswork while staring at a map here.
- Achieve rankings for key terms and locations that matter to your business
- Surpass third-party listing services and directories with your site
- Attract potential customers and convert them into leads
Social media management
There’s no two ways about it: social media marketing in cannabis is no walk in Central Park. The good news is: it doesn’t, and shouldn’t, have to be this way. It’s possible to operate compliantly — even on the platforms that don’t want us there. Sure, it takes a little ingenuity and a lot of hard work, but New Yorkers are used to working hard.
- Post content that your audience wants to watch, like, and share
- Connect with New York City influencers in cannabis and in your target market
- Manage compliance with social media platforms terms of service
Brand identity development
Your company is iconic and distinctly New York — make sure your brand conveys that!
Whether you know exactly how you want your brand to look or you need some help with ideas, enlist the expertise of cannabis marketing pros. Our brand identity packages include everything you need to start building brand awareness and loyalty — way more than just a logo.
- Develop a brand identity that encourages customer loyalty
- Boost brand recognition with polished, perfected visuals
- Support future company growth with well-designed assets
Web design and development
Think about building a house — it needs a solid foundation that stands the test of time, while giving you the freedom to spruce things up and make renovations as you go. That’s precisely how we view your website. Built on strong foundations that stand the test of time,
Our sites load crazy fast, and that’s just one of the ways we ensure they’re set up with SEO best practices in mind. That also includes prioritizing ADA recommendations in mind so every New Yorker can access your site easily. And when it comes to getting you up and running, we know time is money, so we keep things moving at your pace.
- Create an online home base you’re proud to show off
- Eye-catching design and well-read content that converts visitors into customers
- Sites that prioritize SEO-friendly build and design, including fast load times
Our clients are talking! Here’s what they’re saying:
FAQ about cannabis marketing in New York City
Are there differences between NYC cannabis marketing and NYS cannabis marketing?
The marketing rules developed by the state are the same for New York City cannabis companies as they are for those in New York State. However, the culture is quite different in NYC than it is in other areas of the Empire State. So with that in mind, a compliant strategy in NYS will also be compliant in NYC, but it may not resonate with your audience there.
Is it legal to market cannabis in New York City?
Yes, you can legally conduct cannabis marketing activities in New York City, as long as you follow all the rules laid out by all the rules.
When did New York legalize medical cannabis?
The medical cannabis program in New York opened in 2014.
When did New York legalize adult-use cannabis?
The adult-use cannabis program in New York passed in 2021.
