Since the 2018 Farm Bill passed, allowing the cultivation of CBD derived hemp farmers and activists have rejoiced around the world.
As the Hemp Industry geared up to tackle advertising head-on, they noticed digital giant Facebook isn't as supportive and happy about the times ahead.
Excited to spearhead nationwide campaigns to promote the legalization of hemp products, brands were shocked and crippled by significant roadblocks from Facebook. The social media behemoth stated that the advertisement of CBD hemp products violates their Advertising Policies. According to Facebook, the non-psychoactive plant is considered a "drug-related item."
The Hemp Industry did not take lightly to the ban. Pro Hemp agencies The Hemp Industries Association and Hoban Law Group, have banded together to send the executives at Facebook a clear message of unity. The collaborative campaign to combat Facebook's unjust ban of Hemp displayed in New York City's Time Square as a digital campaign for the world to see.

In recent months the social media powerhouse has loosened its Advertising Policies to allow advertising for non-ingestible Hemp products. This amendment to the policy will only include CBD Hemp-derived products such as topicals, patches, lotions, makeup, and serums.
As Facebooker's around the world pushback to the unfair policy, Facebook continues to stand by banning any ads promoting ingestible Hemp.
With CBD gaining traction with drug store retailers, what will this mean for companies that have built their brands on direct to consumer framework in a world thriving on digital marketing? By denying advertising on one of the biggest platforms in the world, is Facebook single handly shutting Hemp business doors?