Facebook Censors Ads for a Marijuana Legalization Campaign

Facebook has blocked the ads of Just Say Now, a marijuana legalization group, because they feature a pot leaf and … it’s 1960, so that’s supposed to be controversial?

A Facebook spokesperson claimed, “The image of a pot leaf is classified with all smoking products and therefore is not acceptable under our policies.” As Ryan Grim (who obtained the letter) points out though, Facebook’s policy specifically states that promoting tobacco products is against the rules, not smoking in general (also, the ad clearly promotes a political campaign, not smoking pot.)

So, there’s a tiny chance it might have to do with money rather than Facebook’s deep-seated concern for users’ health. As Ryan Tate points out, Facebook’s policy may be about “…  trying to keep Facebook attractive to big spending, blue chip ad clients who don’t like their campaigns surrounded by seedy looking pro narcotics narcotics ads.”

Just Say Now has started a petition urging Facebook to reverse the ban:

After our ads with the Just Say Now logo of marijuana leaf ran more than 38 million times, Facebook flip-flopped and banned all images of marijuana from its ads.

Sign our petition to Facebook to protest this censorship:

Marijuana legalization is a critical issue facing our country. Clear majorities in states across the country support legalizing marijuana.

By censoring marijuana leaves, Facebook is banning political speech. This is unfair, and unacceptable.

Facebook should reverse its decision and allow the free discussion of US drug policy that the country is ready for.

Add your name to the left. We’ll send the petition to Facebook and let the media know how strongly people feel about this important issue