Business

Google Approves CBD Advertising in California, Colorado & Puerto Rico

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As of January 20, 2023, Google officially began allowing CBD advertisers in California, Colorado, and Puerto Rico to promote select CBD products. This marks a major shift in Google’s ad policies under Dangerous Products and Services and Healthcare and Medicines, which previously prohibited CBD-related ads.

Under the new rules, Google-certified advertisers in these regions may now promote:

  • FDA-approved drugs containing CBD
  • Federally legal hemp-derived CBD topicals (with less than 0.3% THC)

Note: YouTube Masthead advertisements remain excluded from this policy update.

LegitScript Certification Requirements

For hemp-derived CBD topicals, advertisers must obtain LegitScript certification. The process includes:

  • Submitting product samples for third-party laboratory testing
  • Providing a valid Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming THC levels are below 0.3%

Importantly, FDA-approved CBD pharmaceuticals do not require LegitScript certification.

What This Means for CBD Companies

This development creates new opportunities for CBD companies to access one of the world’s largest digital advertising platforms. However, compliance is critical. Brands must ensure their products meet both federal hemp standards and Google’s ad policies before launching campaigns.

CBD companies were able to begin applying for LegitScript certification on January 20, 2023. More details are available on the LegitScript website.

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Lydia K. (Bsc. RN) is a cannabis writer, which, considering where you’re reading this, makes perfect sense. Currently, she is a regular writer for Mace Media. In the past, she has written for MyBud, RX Leaf & Dine Magazine (Canada), CBDShopy (UK) and Cannavalate & Pharmadiol (Australia). She is best known for writing epic news articles and medical pieces. Occasionally, she deviates from news and science and creates humorous articles. And boy doesn't she love that! She equally enjoys ice cream, as should all right-thinking people.