{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/4.1-1401.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/4.1-1401.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/4.1-1401.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/4.1-1401.html"}],"law_id":87462,"edition_id":1,"section_id":87462,"structure_id":16404,"section_number":"4.1-1401","catch_line":"General advertising restrictions","history":"2023, cc. 711, 712.","full_text":"A\n\nNo person shall advertise in or send any advertising material into the Commonwealth regarding marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol other than those that may be legally sold in the Commonwealth under this subtitle or Article 4.2 (§ 54.1-3442.5 et seq.) of the Drug Control Act.B\n\nAdvertisements regarding marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol shall:1\n\nComply with the provisions of this subtitle, Board regulations, Chapter 12 (§ 33.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 33.2 and regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and federal laws and regulations;2\n\nAccurately and legibly identify the person responsible for its content;3\n\nInclude the following statement: “For use by adults 21 years of age and older”; and4\n\nIf the advertisement involves direct, individualized communication or dialogue, utilize a method of age affirmation to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older before engaging in such communication or dialogue.C\n\nAdvertisements regarding marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol shall not:1\n\nBe broadcasted (i) through any means unless at least 71.6 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be 21 years of age or older, as determined by reliable, up-to-date audience composition data or (ii) through digital pop-ups;2\n\nBe misleading, deceptive, or false;3\n\nTarget or appeal particularly to persons younger than 21 years of age, including by use of cartoons;4\n\nImply that marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol enhance athletic prowess or are government endorsed;5\n\nBe displayed on a billboard or at a sporting event;6\n\nMake any reference to the intoxicating effects of marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol;7\n\nPromote overconsumption or consumption by persons younger than 21 years of age; or8\n\nDepict a person consuming marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol or depict any person younger than 21 years of age.D\n\nThe provisions of this section shall not apply to noncommercial speech.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":313090,"text":"No person shall advertise in or send any advertising material into the Commonwealth regarding marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol other than those that may be legally sold in the Commonwealth under this subtitle or Article 4.2 (§ 54.1-3442.5 et seq.) of the Drug Control Act.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":313091,"text":"Advertisements regarding marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":313092,"text":"Comply with the provisions of this subtitle, Board regulations, Chapter 12 (§ 33.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 33.2 and regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and federal laws and regulations;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":313093,"text":"Accurately and legibly identify the person responsible for its content;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":313094,"text":"Include the following statement: “For use by adults 21 years of age and older”; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":313095,"text":"If the advertisement involves direct, individualized communication or dialogue, utilize a method of age affirmation to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older before engaging in such communication or dialogue.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"C"},"6":{"id":313096,"text":"Advertisements regarding marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol shall not:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"C1"},"7":{"id":313097,"text":"Be broadcasted (i) through any means unless at least 71.6 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be 21 years of age or older, as determined by reliable, up-to-date audience composition data or (ii) through digital pop-ups;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"8":{"id":313098,"text":"Be misleading, deceptive, or false;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"9":{"id":313099,"text":"Target or appeal particularly to persons younger than 21 years of age, including by use of cartoons;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"10":{"id":313100,"text":"Imply that marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol enhance athletic prowess or are government endorsed;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"C5"},"11":{"id":313101,"text":"Be displayed on a billboard or at a sporting event;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"C5","prefix_anchor":"C5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"C6"},"12":{"id":313102,"text":"Make any reference to the intoxicating effects of marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"C6","prefix_anchor":"C6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C5","next_prefix":"C7"},"13":{"id":313103,"text":"Promote overconsumption or consumption by persons younger than 21 years of age; or","type":"section","prefixes":["C","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"C7","prefix_anchor":"C7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C6","next_prefix":"C8"},"14":{"id":313104,"text":"Depict a person consuming marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol or depict any person younger than 21 years of age.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"C8","prefix_anchor":"C8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C7","next_prefix":"D"},"15":{"id":313105,"text":"The provisions of this section shall not apply to noncommercial speech.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C8"}},"ancestry":[{"id":16404,"edition_id":1,"name":"Cannabis Control; Testing; Advertising","identifier":"14","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13297,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 04:16:54","date_modified":"2026-06-26 04:16:54","permalink":{"id":219509,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":16404,"identifier":"14","token":"4.1\/II\/14","url":"\/4.1\/II\/14\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13297,"edition_id":1,"name":"Cannabis Control Act","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13129,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:35","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:35","permalink":{"id":219415,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13297,"identifier":"II","token":"4.1\/II","url":"\/4.1\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13129,"edition_id":1,"name":"Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control","identifier":"4.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","permalink":{"id":218569,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13129,"identifier":"4.1","token":"4.1","url":"\/4.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":68058,"structure_id":16404,"section_number":"4.1-1400","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/4.1-1400\/","token":"4.1\/II\/14\/4.1-1400","metadata":false},{"id":87462,"structure_id":16404,"section_number":"4.1-1401","catch_line":"General advertising restrictions","url":"\/4.1-1401\/","token":"4.1\/II\/14\/4.1-1401","metadata":false},{"id":78250,"structure_id":16404,"section_number":"4.1-1402","catch_line":"Outdoor advertising restrictions; limitations; variances","url":"\/4.1-1402\/","token":"4.1\/II\/14\/4.1-1402","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":68058,"structure_id":16404,"section_number":"4.1-1400","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/4.1-1400\/","token":"4.1\/II\/14\/4.1-1400","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":78250,"structure_id":16404,"section_number":"4.1-1402","catch_line":"Outdoor advertising restrictions; limitations; variances","url":"\/4.1-1402\/","token":"4.1\/II\/14\/4.1-1402","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/4.1-1401\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2023. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 711<\/a> and 712<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":68297,"section_number":"33.2-1200","catch_line":"Policy; definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-1200\/"},{"id":68201,"section_number":"54.1-3442.5","catch_line":"Repealed","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3442.5\/"}],"permalink":{"id":219515,"object_type":"law","relational_id":87462,"identifier":"4.1-1401","token":"4.1\/II\/14\/4.1-1401","url":"\/4.1-1401\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/4.1-1401\/","token":"4.1\/II\/14\/4.1-1401","dublin_core":{"Title":"General advertising restrictions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 4.1-1401","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> No person shall advertise in or send any advertising<\/span> material<\/span> into the Commonwealth regarding marijuana, marijuana products<\/span>, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> or synthetic derivative<\/span> of tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> other than those that may be legally sold in the Commonwealth under this subtitle or Article 4.2 (§ 54.1-3442.5<\/a> et seq.) of the Drug Control Act. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Advertisements<\/span> regarding marijuana, marijuana products<\/span>, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> or synthetic derivative<\/span> of tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Comply with the provisions of this subtitle, Board<\/span> regulations, Chapter 12 (§ 33.2-1200<\/a> et seq.) of Title 33.2 and regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the Commonwealth Transportation Board<\/span>, and federal laws<\/span> and regulations; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Accurately and legibly identify the person responsible for its content; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Include the following statement: “For use by adults 21 years of age and older”; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> If the advertisement<\/span> involves direct, individualized communication or dialogue, utilize a method of age affirmation to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older before engaging in such communication or dialogue. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Advertisements<\/span> regarding marijuana, marijuana products<\/span>, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> or synthetic derivative<\/span> of tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> shall not: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Be broadcasted (i) through any means unless at least 71.6 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be 21 years of age or older, as determined by reliable, up-to-date audience composition data or (ii) through digital pop-ups; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Be misleading, deceptive, or false; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Target or appeal<\/span> particularly to persons younger than 21 years of age, including by use of cartoons; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Imply that marijuana, marijuana products<\/span>, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> or synthetic derivative<\/span> of tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> enhance athletic prowess or are government endorsed; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Be displayed on a billboard or at a sporting event; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Make any reference to the intoxicating effects of marijuana, marijuana products<\/span>, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> or synthetic derivative<\/span> of tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Promote overconsumption or consumption by persons younger than 21 years of age; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Depict a person consuming marijuana, marijuana products<\/span>, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> or synthetic derivative<\/span> of tetrahydrocannabinol<\/span> or depict any person younger than 21 years of age. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The provisions of this section shall not apply to noncommercial speech. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nGENERAL ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS (\u00a7 4.1-1401)\n\nA. No person shall advertise in or send any advertising material into the\nCommonwealth regarding marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance\ncontaining a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of\ntetrahydrocannabinol other than those that may be legally sold in the\nCommonwealth under this subtitle or Article 4.2 (§ 54.1-3442.5 et seq.) of\nthe Drug Control Act.\n\nB. Advertisements regarding marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance\ncontaining a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of\ntetrahydrocannabinol shall:\n\n 1. Comply with the provisions of this subtitle, Board regulations, Chapter 12\n (§ 33.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 33.2 and regulations adopted pursuant\n thereto by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and federal laws and\n regulations;\n\n 2. Accurately and legibly identify the person responsible for its content;\n\n 3. Include the following statement: “For use by adults 21 years of age\n and older”; and\n\n 4. If the advertisement involves direct, individualized communication or\n dialogue, utilize a method of age affirmation to verify that the recipient is\n 21 years of age or older before engaging in such communication or dialogue.\n\nC. Advertisements regarding marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance\ncontaining a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of\ntetrahydrocannabinol shall not:\n\n 1. Be broadcasted (i) through any means unless at least 71.6 percent of the\n audience is reasonably expected to be 21 years of age or older, as determined\n by reliable, up-to-date audience composition data or (ii) through digital\n pop-ups;\n\n 2. Be misleading, deceptive, or false;\n\n 3. Target or appeal particularly to persons younger than 21 years of age,\n including by use of cartoons;\n\n 4. Imply that marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance containing a\n synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol\n enhance athletic prowess or are government endorsed;\n\n 5. Be displayed on a billboard or at a sporting event;\n\n 6. Make any reference to the intoxicating effects of marijuana, marijuana\n products, or any substance containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or\n synthetic derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol;\n\n 7. Promote overconsumption or consumption by persons younger than 21 years of\n age; or\n\n 8. Depict a person consuming marijuana, marijuana products, or any substance\n containing a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic derivative of\n tetrahydrocannabinol or depict any person younger than 21 years of age.\n\nD. The provisions of this section shall not apply to noncommercial speech.\n\nHISTORY: 2023, cc. 711, 712.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}