Make Sure You Stick To These Rules When It Comes to Advertising Cannabis on Social Media

It’s clear that we are moving in the direction of more progressive times. If you are in the business of cannabis, it’s safe to say you should be looking at some prosperous growth over the next few years, no pun intended. And like any business – you are not excused from your digital footprint. Advertising cannabis on social media allows your business to reach your target audience, permitting further explanation of the benefits and rewards of using your products. Because we are working with marijuana on a commercial scale, it’s important to know the advertising policies and limitations of each platform according to Green Entrepreneur ¹.

What is Pinterest pinning?

The limitation with Pinterest is using the platform for the commercial sale of cannabis. Advertisements which encourage or boost the usage of any form of illegal recreational drug is strictly prohibited. Fortunately, Pinterest does allow users to post advertisements promoting the health benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp products. However, the only cannabis products deemed appropriate are the byproducts of CBD-only oils and hemp which do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Pinterest also permits organic cannabis content with a more artistic or educational nature.

What is Twitter tweeting?

Drugs and drug paraphernalia are out. There are some hard rules regarding drug use, dispensaries, accessories associated with drug use, and herbal drugs. Therefore, the use of Twitter to solely advertise your cannabis on social media may be more on the limiting side. Twitter does permit organic usage of the word “marijuana” and there are pages with marijuana themes in which users could tweet about cannabis use and culture. If the agenda seems more organic and it’s not just about the hard sale – promoting medical cannabis could be permitted as well.

What are we Snapping?

The rules and regulations are less clear when it comes to Snapchat. The one thing we do know is that any advertisements regarding illegal or recreational drugs and their paraphernalia are prohibited. You can take Snapchat out of the race if you’d like to run any cannabis ads on a social media platform. Like its other social media family members – content regarding marijuana and cannabis are found on Snapchat, but there is no solid promotion of selling cannabis and its byproducts.

What are we watching on the Tube?

Youtube is substantially more flexible than the others. There are no specifications regarding the advertisement of illegal drugs but it does dictate that dangerous or harmful content is off limits with a “not suitable” disclaimer. Sharing any content on the topic of medical marijuana use and its benefits is allowed – including cannabis material for documentaries, education, and artistic purposes.

What’s streaming on Reddit?

Reddit has more general guidelines in which the platform does not allow particular content. Any content that promotes illegal activities will include an advertising policy with a disclaimer stating that ads promoting recreational drugs and substances will not be tolerated. It does not specify if cannabis itself – medical or recreational alike – are prohibited. Promoting cannabis content and products in an educational and informative light should be okay. 

How’s trusty old Facebook?

Facebook appears to be on board with its other social media comrades. This means zero promotion of illegal or recreational drugs. It will carry your business page with cannabis or marijuana content if it’s tasteful, educational, and organic. If there is even a hint of a promotional nature – Facebook will put a stop to it.

What are we Googling?

Oh Google, why so serious? Dangerous products and services – including recreational drugs of the chemical and herbal form are a no. There are no clear indications if educational or artistic content on cannabis is acceptable in their policies either. It’s safe to say that advertising cannabis on this platform may be tricky. However, Google Bloggers writing on your behalf could publish content related to the herb, so long as there’s no promotion or encouragement of dangerous and illegal content.

Where does this leave you?

We are living in very interesting times. With cannabis, we are somewhere between glorifying the medicinal herb and struggling over its national legality. While most social media platforms may not be on board to promote cannabis today, with continued exposure on the subject we are certainly moving in the right direction.

If you’re in the business of hemp and need help defining your brand, contact us for help. At Herban Creative, we’re skilled in branding, SEO, design work, and social media. We can create content for your brand that informs consumers and drives sales. Contact us today to learn more!

A Look Back at the History of Cannabis in Our Country

Cannabis is a trending topic in America these days. It seems like every day you hear more of your coworkers and friends discussing the CBD oil that dissipates their stress and combats their post-workout soreness. In the news, you hear more about approved marijuana laws and talk from more government officials promising future legalization. Of course, cannabis wasn’t always the positive talk of the town. Throughout its presence in the United States, cannabis has gone through a wild ride, and the opinions and laws around it have been ever changing. Take a look back at the history of cannabis in our country and see how far the popular plant has come since its earlier days.

The cannabis timeline doesn’t end here. 2019 is expected to bring new changes on cannabis laws from states all over the country. The cannabis plant has come a long way since its introduction to the New World, and it still has a long way to go.

Looking for more news and updates in the cannabis industry? Check out the rest of our blog today!

The Impact of Cannabis on a Business’ Tax Deductions

It’s critical any cannabis entrepreneur understands that the cannabusiness world is different from any other business. It’s not just the business model or supply chain, it’s the tight wiggle room from several laws and regulations on all sectors of business. Filing taxes on a cannabis business is certainly a part business owners must pay close attention to. According to Forbes, due to unchanged federal laws on marijuana and strict guidelines by the IRS, tax deduction laws are quite unique to the cannabis industry. It’s important business owners know and understand tax section 280E, as it directly applies to them.

Tax Section 280e

This tax section requires that cannabis businesses file federal taxes under this tax code. All Schedule I and II trafficked controlled substances are directed to, and according to the federal government, marijuana falls under this category as a Schedule 1. This includes the growing, buying, and selling of marijuana. Essentially, this tax code means cannabis businesses need to pay taxes on all of their revenue. Therefore, making them ineligible from using business expenses as tax deductions.

In its totality, section 280E states: “No deduction or credit shall be allowed for any amount paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business if such trade or business (or the activities which comprise such trade or business) consists of trafficking in controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedule I and II of the Controlled Substances Act) which is prohibited by federal law or the law of any state in which such trade or business is conducted.”

What Does This Mean for Cannabis Business Owners?

Simply put, business owners in the cannabis industry pay tax on their gross income. Since marijuana is a Schedule I substance, this section prohibits them from the tax deduction benefits of a typical business owner. State legalization hasn’t wavered the federal regulations of marijuana, thus putting cannabis businesses under extreme scrutiny by the IRS. Previous cannabusiness owners have faced harsh repercussions for disobeying the tax act and failing to efficiently fill taxes.

The punishments are costly, and the IRA is certainly paying attention to the financial workings of all cannabis businesses. To the business owners in this industry, you need to abide by section 280E and thoroughly understand your legal tax expectations to clear yourself and your business from an attack by the IRS.

There are a lot of hoops to jump through in the cannabis industry. Even business owners from the states with seven years of recreational legalization aren’t fully experts. Many mistakes have been made in industry due to the high regulations surrounding marijuana. For the vets and the newbies, pay close attention to the laws that surround your industry, they’re changing all the time. Through attention to the fluctuating laws on regulations, you can learn how to market and craft your business accordingly in this highly-censored industry.

For assistance on marketing your business, contact us at Herban Creative. We have all the marketing and digital experience necessary to grow your cannabusiness from the ground up.

All You Need to Know About Cannabis Beer

Out of all the cannabis infused products on the rise right now, cannabis beer is gaining a ton of attention. The flood of craft breweries in the United States proves the popularity of the diverse alcoholic beverage. Although, the statistical preference of cannabis over alcohol in legalized states suggests beer companies face a tough competitor. Beer sales show a decrease in these states while cannabis sales remain on the rise. So, it seems safe to say that breweries adapting cannabis into their beers may be on to something.

Is it or is it not beer?

For starters, this cannabis-infused beer isn’t actually beer. Federal rules stand against mixing alcohol with marijuana, therefore these beer tasting drinks won’t actually have any alcohol in them. Right now, there’s a strong emphasis in place on flavor for the brewers already selling in Colorado, California, and now, Washington. The idea is to keep beer lovers on beer rather than losing them to cannabis altogether. At the same time, brewers want their consumers to love the beer because of its taste, not solely for its traces of marijuana. Statistics show that alcohol drinkers in states with legal recreational marijuana use are already switching their preferred substance. By including cannabis in beer, beer companies are meeting the demands of the consumers. Plus, this new product offers beer drinkers a way to drink beer without the typical hangover effects.

So what’s in it exactly?

Every cannabis beer isn’t created equal. Some companies infuse with hemp oil while others use CBD. Every beer has hops in it, but the difference in cannabis beer is the lack of fermentation. Therefore, it’s not actually alcoholic, nor is it technically beer, but it’s still intended to taste like it. Recently, the makers of Blue Moon beer are making headlines with their carefully brewed THC-infused drink. Only available in Colorado, this beverage was created to give the similar buzz-like feeling you’d get from beer.

Will you still “feel” it?

While THC-infused beer is just arriving from concept to completion, it’s likely it could be a big hit for cannabis users and beer drinkers. Whether or not you “feel” it depends on several factors, like what beer you drink, what’s in it, and how much you consume. The creators of THC Blue Moon beer says you feel the effects at the same pace as a normal beer. The best part? No morning headache or signs of a hangover. Comparing the side effects of beer versus marijuana, the THC-infused beer is referred to as a more health conscious options for consumers.

A look ahead

It’s safe to say there will be less hangovers in the future thanks to cannabis beer. Even more, with the increased popularity of craft beer in the United States, it’s highly possible cannabis beer may be the next big thing for breweries. However, it could be ways down the road. Even with the legalization of recreational marijuana in more states, there’s no telling when, and if, federal law will change. For now, it will only be sold in approved dispensaries.

Lately, there’s a lot of talk whether or not cannabis beer can transform the nature of social drinking. With its anti-anxiety effects, cannabis beverages could ease the anxious feeling in social settings, and possibly even lessen the number of beverages one consumes during social drinking. On a similar note, beers infused with CBD could also positively affect consumers. The very popular cannabinoid derived from marijuana has gained a lot of recent attention in the wellness industry, and for good reason. It has zero psychological effects, and has the ability to calm the user and ease anxiety without altering the users state of mind. Ultimately, if created correctly, it could be a good product for those anxious in social situations.

Ultimately, the beer industry looks to stay alive alongside the flourishing cannabis industry. Cannabis beer could be a healthier vice for those who use alcohol to calm their nerves. Also, it will decrease the risks caused from regular alcohol consumption. All in all, only time will tell the direction of this new market, but rest assured cannabis beer will only become more common as time goes on.

If you’re a cannabis related company and looking to find your place in the industry, allow us help you out. Our team at Herban Creative are seasoned digital natives, and we specialize in everything from branding to SEO, web design, and social media. Contact us today so we can make your cannabis business stand out.

How Do You Pair Your Cannabis Business with An Agency?

Marketing your cannabis businesses is unlike most industries in the world of advertising. The various rules and restrictions across online platforms tend to take away your efforts to market freely. In this case, allowing a marketing agency to control your marketing agenda is the best way to ensure it’s done correctly.

But how do you find a good agency to meet the needs in this growing market, and your company in particular? The cannabis industry is an especially creative one, and differentiating your business is critical for standing out. To find the right match, it takes a lot of reflection and consideration. Ask yourself these five questions to bring you closer to discovering an ideal marketing partner.

What are your business needs? 

To begin your agency search journey, define what you aspire to achieve through your marketing efforts. You can do so by identifying a brand personality and what must be accomplished in your strategy in order to achieve this. After you’ve identified your needs you’ll have a clearer idea on what qualities you may need from an agency.

Perhaps your main focus is out of the box creative visuals, so you’ll want an agency with a strong art department. Or rather, your main goal is to focus on developing a strong branding, so an agency with exceptional branding experience will be a priority.

Is their personal branding lame or impressive?

Although it’s said you should never judge a book by it’s cover, you may want to judge an agency based off its personal branding. After all, branding, web, and logo design are likely ways the agency will assist your business. Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to see what type of work they’ve produced, especially for themselves. The language and design used on the website express the agency’s personal style and skills, and after identifying your brand personality and needs, this is a good way to test the waters. The cannabis industry is full of visually creative logos and strong branding which makes standing out crucial for attracting consumers.

Is the agency cannabis specific?

To market well, you must know the ins and outs of the industry, which is why the wisest option is a cannabis specific agency. If you’re already involved in the industry, you should be aware of the heavy rules and regulations in place around cannabis marketing. With that being said, it should be a guarantee that your cannabis agency knows these rules well and stays up to date on any changes. By now, there are certain do’s and do not’s of cannabis marketing and there’s no need to repeat mistakes.  If your agency is uninformed on the regulations, than you should definitely go back to the drawing board.

What will the strategy look like?

Another important ingredient is what the agency offers regarding marketing strategies. Make sure that the agency you choose is thorough from top to bottom in your marketing plan. Don’t settle for an agency that only offers vague or general descriptions of its strategies. Look for complete plans of execution and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Consider how comprehensive the plan is and reflect on its ability to address your needs.

Are they reliable communicators?

Like any successful relationship, good communication is key. Begin evaluating this from your first verbal interaction. It’s presumed that whom you first talk business with will be one of your go-to representatives, and how they interact with you goes a long way. Were they vague in business answers? Were they knowledgeable? If they didn’t have the answer to a question, did they make an effort to find one?

You need your agency to understand your business objectives and marketing needs at the same level you do. This starts and ends with communication. Everything from how they speak, answer emails, to how long it takes to get back to you gives insight on what type of communicators they are. If they maintain good communication with your business, they’re likely a dependable agency.

Multiple factors play a role in the quest for a cannabis marketing agency. First things first, narrow your search down to cannabis specific agencies to reduce wasted time. You need to spend your time defining your business needs rather than worrying about your agency complying with industry rules. When you find a good agency it allows you to leave marketing to the experts and grants time to devote to other business endeavors.

Be patient in your decision. If an agency doesn’t check the necessary boxes, know there are others out there that will. If you’re looking for a well-informed cannabis specific agency, talk with the professionals at Herban Creative to discover how we can be your marketing match.