New York Senate Bill S08913

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/26
• Refer: 1/15/26

Caption

Relates to requirements for advertising of cannabis licensees, products or services on billboards; limits information that may appear on billboards; prohibits billboard advertising by a cannabis licensee is a city with a population of one million or more.

Summary

This bill amends the New York Cannabis Law to narrow and clarify what cannabis-related billboard advertising may contain. It defines a billboard broadly as any off-premises sign, regardless of size or location, and generally prohibits billboard advertising unless it advertises a cannabis licensee. The bill allows only limited information on such billboards, including the licensee’s name or logo, contact information, website or QR code, the nature of the licensed business, and directional information to help consumers locate the licensee. The bill also restricts the use of a licensee’s trademarks, brands, names, locations, or other identifying features by third parties in ways that would not comply with the advertising rules. Existing compliant billboards already in place before the effective date may remain, but any new billboard must meet the new standards. The bill takes effect immediately and authorizes regulations or guidance consistent with its provisions.

Impact

The bill would amend section 86 of the Cannabis Law by tightening the statutory rules governing cannabis advertising on billboards and by adding new subdivisions defining billboard scope and grandfathering existing compliant signs. It would limit the content of off-premises cannabis advertising statewide and could affect cannabis licensees, advertisers, sign owners, and third-party marketing entities. Based on the caption, it also appears intended to prohibit billboard advertising by cannabis licensees in cities with populations of one million or more, which would especially affect New York City, although that specific limitation is not fully reflected in the bill text provided.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded votes, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the materials provided. The bill’s structure suggests a regulatory approach focused on limiting cannabis marketing exposure while preserving basic informational signage for licensed businesses. Overall, the measure appears to be a targeted advertising restriction rather than a broad policy change, and the absence of recorded opposition or amendments in the provided history leaves sentiment difficult to gauge.

Contention

The main points of potential contention are likely to be the breadth of the billboard definition, the restriction on cannabis branding and third-party use of trademarks, and the practical effect on outdoor advertising for licensed businesses. Cannabis licensees and marketers may view the bill as overly restrictive because it limits promotional content to basic identifying and directional information. By contrast, regulators or community advocates may support the bill as a way to reduce cannabis advertising visibility, particularly in dense urban areas and possibly in New York City, where the caption indicates a broader billboard prohibition may apply.