Google Will Allow Ads for CBD and Hemp Products
On Jan. 20, 2023, Google will allow for the promotion of FDA-approved pharmaceuticals containing cannabidiol (CBD) and topical, hemp-derived CBD products with THC content of 0.3% or less in California, Colorado, and Puerto Rico.
The Dangerous Products and Services and Healthcare and Medicines Google Ads policies will be updated to allow for this change.
Certain formats, including YouTube Masthead, will not be eligible for these advertisement changes. CBD will be removed from the Unapproved Pharmaceuticals and Supplements list. All ads promoting other CBD-based products, including supplements, food additives and inhalants, will continue to be banned.
In the U.S., only topical CBD products that have been certified by LegitScript can be promoted on Google. Certification will require that products sought to be advertised: (1) provide samples of their product to test for compliance with legal THC limits; and (2) provide LegitScript a third-party Certificate of Analysis. LegitScript does not certify FDA-approved pharmaceuticals with CBD.
LegitScript charges a fee for processing and monitoring applicants. To learn more about LegitScript certification and submit an application, visit the website here. Advertisers can apply for certification immediately.
Recreational CBD advertisers that are certified by LegitScript and FDA-approved pharmaceuticals containing CBD must then get certified by Google before they can start advertising products. Advertisers can request certification with Google starting on Jan. 20, 2023, when the form is published.
