CA SB1498

Expands cannabis advertising restrictions to all persons engaged in commercial cannabis activity, whether licensed or unlicensed, including prohibitions on misleading advertising, billboard ads on interstate/border highways, ads attractive to children, and ads within 1,000 feet of schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, or youth centers.

Applies similar advertising restrictions to industrial hemp manufacturers, distributors, and sellers, including prohibitions on targeting children or pregnant/breastfeeding persons and requirements that 70 percent of broadcast, cable, radio, print, or digital audiences be reasonably expected to be 18 years or older.

Authorizes the Attorney General, city attorneys, and county counsels to bring civil actions for violations, with mandatory injunctive relief and optional civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation for licensed cannabis businesses or hemp registrants and up to $30,000 per violation for unlicensed cannabis businesses or unregistered hemp product sellers.

Limits defendants to one civil action per advertising or marketing violation, except for recurring or continuing violations after a prior finding of the same or substantially similar violation.

Approved by Governor on September 28, 2024.