Editor's note: This article has been reviewed and updated for accuracy in 2026. As much as media outlets love to evangelize the booming legal cannabis industry the opacity with federal law has kept some of the biggest fish away from the action. We're talking advertisers. While this is positive in that small companies are thriving in a very level-playing field, still relatively void of massive monopolies, it does make it hard for marijuana brands and dispensaries to market their products and services and grow their businesses. The inability to start and run a business in a traditional way can not only be hugely frustrating but also be a real damper on company growth. From inability to secure business loans to business insurance and legal liabilities starting a cannabis brand in 2023 can be difficult to say the least. Even for those lucky enough to etch out a marketplace for themselves they often feel left with one-hand behind their back in terms of methods to grow their businesses, marijuana-friendly promotional channels and just the ability to connect with their demographic. Anti-Cannabis Publishers Platforms Most advertising channels that help businesses in other industries rapidly scale growth are simply not available to marijuana and marijuana-ancillary businesses. Platforms that currently prohibit the promotion of anything marijuana related include: Facebook (including Instagram) Google (including Youtube) Bing Instagram Retargeting platforms (AdRoll) On top of that even more traditional media outlets like radio, newspapers and television have strict rules regarding the promotion of cannabis related products and services. Some companies skirt this by never mentioning their product, instead hoping to simply grow brand name awareness. Still, in terms of direct ROI measurable ad spend, it is difficult for small and medium sized businesses to promote product