Are Cannabis Menu Boards Regulated? U.S. State Laws Explained

As cannabis retail matures in legalized states across the U.S., one aspect often overlooked but critical to compliance and customer experience is the cannabis menu board. These boards—whether digital screens, touchscreen kiosks, or printed menus—present available products and prices to consumers inside dispensaries. However, their regulation is a patchwork, varying widely by state and often falling under broader advertising or signage laws.

States With Defined Menu Board Policies

California:
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) regulates dispensary advertising and signage, which extends to menu boards. Menu boards must not be visible to the public from outside, cannot include exaggerated claims or appeal to minors, and must reflect accurate information aligned with lab-tested results and product labels. Digital menu syncing with inventory systems like METRC is expected to ensure accuracy and prevent discrepancies.

Nevada:
In Nevada, menu boards must display only licensed and compliant products. Though there are no specific menu board regulations, the Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) enforces rules on truthful advertising, restrictions on marketing to those under 21, and limitations on external signage. Menus that show strain names or THC potency are typically required to remain indoors and out of public view.

Massachusetts:
Massachusetts regulates all forms of cannabis advertising through its Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Menu boards—particularly digital displays—must include mandatory health warnings and reflect the inventory listed in METRC. Exterior-facing menu boards are subject to tight restrictions, especially near schools or areas frequented by minors.

Colorado:
The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) requires dispensary menus to comply with advertising standards that prohibit unverified health claims or deceptive language. While interior menu boards are standard, dispensaries must ensure consistency with tracked inventory and avoid marketing language targeting minors.

States With Less Explicit Rules

Oregon:
While Oregon does not regulate menu boards directly, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) includes them under general advertising rules. Menus must not make medical claims, appeal to children, or display excessive branding that glamorizes cannabis use.

Michigan:
Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) permits digital or printed menu boards inside dispensaries, but enforces rules around misleading claims, overpromotion, or language that could attract youth. There are no specifications for layout or technology, but compliance with labeling and advertising regulations is expected.

Arizona:
Arizona allows the use of menu boards as long as they’re located inside the dispensary. They must not promote false information or display health claims. There is currently no requirement for integration with seed-to-sale systems, though accuracy is strongly encouraged.

Illinois:
Illinois cannabis law governs all consumer-facing displays as advertising. As such, menus must follow truth-in-advertising principles and must not show promotions that could be considered appealing to children or non-patients. Warnings regarding impairment and age restrictions must also be clearly posted.

Common Regulatory Themes

  • Accuracy Is Key: Menu boards must align with state tracking systems and lab-verified product data.
  • Marketing to Minors Is Prohibited: Fonts, images, and colors must not mimic children’s media or consumer products.
  • Visibility Restrictions: Many states limit what can be visible from outside the retail premises.
  • Health Warnings Required: Most states mandate consumer health and safety notices on or near the menu.

Summary

Although regulations vary, cannabis menu boards are increasingly viewed as regulated retail communication tools rather than mere customer convenience features. Staying compliant means understanding state-specific rules and ensuring that menus—whether digital or printed—reflect real-time, accurate, and lawful product information. As the industry grows, tighter oversight of in-store displays is expected to follow.