For those working in Utah’s cannabis industry, the struggle is real. In a state where medical cannabis is legal, you’d think businesses would have the freedom to promote their products and services like any other legal enterprise. But social media platforms have proven to be a whole different beast, where the rules are as hazy as a smoke-filled room and enforcement seems to shift with the wind.
Across the country, cannabis companies in legal states are grappling with an invisible but formidable adversary: online censorship. Despite legalization, platforms like Instagram and Facebook still treat cannabis-related content—whether medical or recreational—as if it’s illicit. From dispensaries to manufacturers, advocacy groups to media outlets, businesses must tread carefully, navigating ever-shifting platform policies while trying to promote their products and services without triggering suspensions or outright bans. Even larger brands like Dragonfly Wellness and WholesomeCo Cannabis have seen their pages wiped clean, forcing them to either rebuild from scratch or hire costly firms to get their accounts reinstated. Imagine running a legitimate business only to wake up and find your digital presence erased overnight. Unfortunately, that’s the harsh reality many cannabis companies face, despite playing by the rules.
Some argue that this level of censorship edges dangerously close to violating First Amendment rights. After all, if cannabis is legal in many states, why shouldn’t businesses be free to discuss their products online? The issue becomes murky when you consider that social media platforms are private companies, each with their own policies—much like how Utah employers can choose whether or not to hire cannabis patients. Still, that doesn’t make the frustration any less real. And before anyone jumps to the old ‘What about the children?!’ argument, take a look at what else slips through: graphic violence, barely-dressed influencers, questionable diet supplements, and viral stunts. But legal, state-regulated cannabis? That’s where the line is drawn. With the country now moving toward reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug, will this shift ease the burden of censorship? That remains to be seen.
Cannabis companies often find themselves in a no-win situation. If they post content that’s remotely promotional, they risk getting flagged by algorithms. And if they manage to fly under the radar, their reach is often limited by shadowbans—where content is hidden from non-followers. For a business trying to grow its customer base, that’s like building a house with no foundation.
Instagram, for example, has been notorious for inconsistent enforcement of cannabis-related content. One day, a business might post about a new product without issue; the next, that same post could be flagged, removed, or even lead to account suspension. Appeals are often met with silence, leaving businesses wondering what they did wrong.
In Utah, where medical cannabis is still in its infancy, the stakes are even higher. The industry is fighting not only to grow but to be accepted in a deeply conservative state. Social media censorship adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging landscape. For many companies, the goal isn’t just to sell products—it’s to educate the public about the benefits of cannabis as medicine. But how can you change minds in a conservative state when your voice is silenced or canceled?
Even more troubling is how some cannabis companies use censorship rules to sabotage competitors. Rival companies have been known to report posts, triggering algorithms that result in pages being taken down. It’s a cutthroat tactic, a holdover from the days when cannabis businesses had to operate in the shadows. That black-market mentality continues to rear its head, while internet trolls and keyboard warriors damage the industry we’re all trying to build.
For cannabis businesses in Utah and beyond, the fight for free expression isn’t over. As the industry grows, so does the demand for platforms to recognize that this isn’t an underground movement—it’s a legal, regulated industry deserving of the same rights as any other. Until then, cannabis companies will keep walking that tightrope, hoping for a future where their voices can be heard loud and clear without being silenced by platforms or their own competitors.
To stay in the loop with everything happening in Utah’s cannabis scene, be sure to follow Salt Baked City on social media. We’re committed to bringing you the latest news, insights, and stories from the heart of the industry, despite the archaic challenges.
