YouTube now allows some cannabis content, but with strict rules:
- Educational and informative videos about cannabis are OK
- No promoting drug use or "how-to" guides
- Monetization possible for objective, non-glorifying content
- More flexibility for medical and legal cannabis topics
Key points for creators:
- Focus on science, laws, and objective info
- Don’t show consumption or promote products
- Watch out for the 3-strike policy
- Know the monetization tiers
Quick platform comparison:
| Platform | Cannabis Content | Paid Ads | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Limited | No | 18+ |
| Limited | No | 18+ | |
| TikTok | Banned | No | 18+ |
| Tumblr | Yes | Yes* | 21+ |
*Where legal
YouTube’s rules are stricter than some platforms but more flexible than others. Creators must follow guidelines carefully to avoid penalties.
Related video from YouTube
Common Questions About YouTube’s Cannabis Rules
1. What cannabis content can you post?
YouTube allows:
- Videos on scientific effects of cannabis
- Educational content about cannabis laws
- News reports on cannabis topics
- Personal stories (without promotion)
Note: Keep it objective and informative.
2. What’s not allowed?
YouTube bans content that:
- Promotes recreational drug use
- Gives "how-to" guides on drugs
- Shows graphic drug abuse
- Targets minors with drug content
Example: A video on how to roll a joint would likely get removed.
3. How does YouTube handle ads?
Three tiers for monetization:
| Tier | Content Type | Ad Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Educational, humor, music (non-glorifying) | Ads OK |
| 2 | Effects of consumption (non-graphic) | Monetizable |
| 3 | Drug abuse, buying, selling (graphic) | No ads |
Stick to educational content for best monetization chances.
4. What if you break the rules?
Three-strike policy:
- First strike: Warning
- Second strike: Temporary suspension
- Third strike: Channel termination
Example: "That High Couple" lost everything due to this policy.
5. How to follow the rules
- Focus on education and information
- Don’t show or promote drug use
- Keep it objective
- Stay updated on policy changes
Medical and Legal Cannabis Content Rules
- Scientific discussions OK
- Info on laws and regulations allowed
- Patient stories (no promotion)
- Focus on education, not products
- No consumption or pricing info
CBD vs. THC content:
| Type | Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| CBD | Educational videos, reviews | Direct sales, demos |
| THC | Scientific talks, legal info | Recreational promotion |
Monetization:
- Educational content might get ads
- CBD videos sometimes monetizable
- THC content usually not monetized
Key takeaways:
- Educate, don’t promote
- No drug use or consumption
- Know CBD vs. THC rules
- Stick to objective, scientific info
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YouTube vs. Other Social Media
| Platform | Paid Ads | Unpaid Content | Sales | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube | No | Limited | No | 18+ |
| No | Limited | No | 18+ | |
| No | Limited | No | 18+ | |
| TikTok | No | Banned | No | 18+ |
| Snapchat | Yes* | No | No | 18+ |
| Tumblr | Yes* | Yes | No | 21+ |
*Where legal
YouTube: Some unpaid content OK, strict rules.
TikTok: Total ban on drug content.
"TikTok is refusing to host the public service announcements about the state’s adult-use cannabis law based on the company’s blanket ban on drug advertising." – Rolling Stone
Instagram/Facebook: Similar to YouTube, but shadow-banning issues.
Snapchat/Tumblr: Allow some paid ads where legal.
Cannabis businesses get creative:
- Use "algo-speak" to avoid detection
- Mix cannabis with mainstream topics
- Focus on education
Example: Sarah ElSayed from Ardent Cannabis blends cannabis, astrology, and food on TikTok.
YouTube remains key due to its large audience and video format.
Wrap-up
YouTube’s 2024 cannabis rules show a cautious opening:
- Some educational content can be monetized
- Strict bans on promoting drug use
- More flexible than TikTok, less open than Tumblr
Content examples:
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Marijuana farming as business | How to start a marijuana farm |
| Drug legislation news | Personal drug use video |
| Scientific drug effects | Guide to buying/using drugs |
Key points:
- Focus on education
- No glorifying drug use
- Stay informed on policy updates
- Be ready for demonetization risks
As laws change, YouTube’s policies might shift. Stay alert to these changes.
FAQs
YouTube profanity policy 2024?
Clarifies existing rules. Updated examples of extreme profanity that lead to demonetization.
Can you monetize cannabis content?
Yes, with limits. Must be objective, informative, educational, and non-celebratory.
How to spot age-restricted videos?
| User Type | Can View | Can See Label |
|---|---|---|
| 18+ Signed In | Yes | Yes |
| Under 18/Signed Out | No | No |
YouTube drug rules?
- Educational content OK
- No promoting drug use
- No contact info for buying drugs
CBD advertising on YouTube?
- No CBD ads in some formats (e.g., Masthead)
- No ads for CBD supplements, food additives, inhalants
- CBD content growing (200% increase since 2020)
Example: The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder got 3 million views on 64 CBD-related videos.
