The cannabis industry has made tremendous strides over the past decade, but one challenge continues to impact every brand, retailer, marketer, and media company: public perception. That’s exactly why the Cannabis Media Council (CMC) exists.
As the first trade association dedicated to using professional advertising and strategic communications to normalize cannabis, the Cannabis Media Council is bringing together marketers, brands, publishers, agencies, retailers, and industry leaders around a shared mission: changing how the public understands cannabis through responsible, fact-based, people-centered marketing. Rather than promoting individual companies or products, the Council focuses on elevating the entire legal cannabis industry through education, awareness, and thoughtful messaging designed to reach audiences that have historically been left behind by cannabis conversations.
Many people first became familiar with the Council through its award-winning “I’m High Right Now” public awareness campaign. The campaign challenged decades of outdated stereotypes by highlighting the everyday people who responsibly consume cannabis, particularly older adults seeking relief, wellness, or a better quality of life. Since its launch, the campaign has earned industry recognition while helping spark conversations about cannabis in mainstream media across all 50 states.
But the Cannabis Media Council’s work extends well beyond advertising. The organization develops responsible marketing guidelines, builds partnerships throughout the cannabis ecosystem, advocates for ethical communications, and works to create an environment where legal cannabis businesses can connect with consumers in credible and effective ways. Their mission is simple: grow the addressable market by replacing misinformation with education and helping consumers become more informed and confident.
Today, the Council is asking the industry to help shape the next chapter. If you’re a cannabis executive, marketing professional, agency, retailer, publisher, or decision-maker, the Cannabis Media Council wants your input through its annual industry survey. The survey measures advertising sentiment and marketing investment trends across the legal cannabinoid marketplace, with findings featured in the upcoming Full Spectrum Guidelines report. The more voices represented, the more valuable the data becomes for the entire industry.
Take the annual Cannabis Media Council survey here:
https://qualtricsxm4wvcfj93x.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_afbCJse9wIu2VEO
The Council is also encouraging cannabis businesses and industry professionals to become members.
Membership is completely free and provides an opportunity to join a growing network committed to raising the standards of cannabis marketing, supporting responsible communications, and helping move the industry forward together. Whether you’re a brand, publisher, agency, ancillary company, retailer, or service provider, membership offers a chance to contribute to conversations that influence the future of cannabis advertising and education.
Become a free member of the Cannabis Media Council:
https://www.cannabismediacouncil.com/membership
The Green Press Collective believes that independent media, responsible storytelling, and honest education are essential to the future of cannabis. Organizations like the Cannabis Media Council are helping ensure that cannabis is represented with professionalism, integrity, and authenticity while creating new opportunities for businesses across the industry to reach consumers responsibly.
If we want cannabis to continue gaining mainstream acceptance, it won’t happen by accident. It will happen because the industry chooses to work together, invest in credible education, and build campaigns that replace decades of stigma with truth. Now is your opportunity to be part of that effort.