US Postal Service Says Mailing Marijuana Ads Is Illegal

[Grower13]

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The U.S. Postal Service says it’s illegal to mail materials containing advertising for marijuana products, even in states that have legalized the federally controlled substance.
The policy

statement released this week comes in response to a letter from Oregon’s Congressional delegation asking the service to clarify its policy on the issue.
In November, a memo distributed in the Portland postal district said it was unlawful for newspaper outlets to run marijuana ads and use the U.S. mail for delivery.
The memo caused confusion among publishers whose newspapers have published ads for dispensaries and manufacturers in the region
“Advertisements for the sale of marijuana are non-mailable,” Thomas Marshall, executive vice president

and general counsel of the Postal Service, wrote in a letter to the delegation. That’s because under the federal Controlled Substances Act marijuana’s sale is prohibited, he said. That same law also prohibits placing written ads for controlled substances like marijuana in newspapers, magazines or other publications.
“These provisions express Congress’s judgment that the mail should not be used as a means of transmitting advertisements for the sale of marijuana, even if that sale is allowed under state law,” Marshall wrote.
Marshall says the Postal Service has released a national policy, which also spells out that local postal officials can’t refuse mail that contains pot ads, but they must report it; the matter must then be turned over to law enforcement agencies who can decide if an investigation is warranted.
In a joint statement, Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici and Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley called the agency’s stance uncompromising and said they want federal authorities to respect decisions made by Oregonians, who last year voted to legalize recreational marijuana for adult use. Oregon voters legalized medical marijuana in 1998.
Medical marijuana dispensaries have multiplied in Oregon and many now also offer recreational pot. The industry uses billboards, websites and newspaper ads to showcase their products in a highly competitive market.
“Unfortunately,” said the joint statement, “the outdated federal approach to marijuana as described in the response from the Postal Service undermines and threatens news publications that choose to accept advertising from legal marijuana businesses

in Oregon and other states where voters also have freely decided to legalize marijuana.”
The Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association said the Postal Service policy could rob newspapers of revenue. The group has advised its members not to run marijuana ads if they use the postal service for some delivery.
“This national policy from the USPS definitely prevents some of our members advertising opportunities,” said executive director Laurie Hieb. But, she added, “This is new advertising and none of them currently rely on it to stay in business

.”
Some outlets – like two dozen newspapers in the Pamplin Media Group – have already decided not to run pot ads, but for a completely different reason: because they don’t promote health.
In addition to Oregon, the policy also impacts the states of Washington, Colorado and Alaska, where voters legalized recreational marijuana in recent years, as well as other states where medical marijuana is legal.
– GOSIA WOZNIACKA, Associated Press
(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2015/12/1...ds-is-illegal/

 

[yarddog]

Well, they ship more dope than anyone else. Haha

 

[RubyRed]

:yeahthat:

 

[burnin1]

You can mail dangerous legal narcotics and guns..... but not ads for a non-toxic plant...... jeesh

 

[WeedHopper]

The US Postal service will someday soon be a thing of the past. I cant remember the last time I used them. Gifts can be sent by many other means and who needs paper mail when you have Email. I dont even fax my invoices anymore,,I scan and email them. I dont need bills mailed to me,,,I go paperless. Thats why they are Broke and going under.

 

[hippy59]

I agree weed, however, I don't see it happening anytime soon. the government gives them money every year to keep going. why? well, the IRS wont use email for audits or notices nor will the court systems anywere in the US. when was the last or first time you got something via email about an unpaid parking ticket or un upcoming court aperance or any notice from the IRS? they SHOULD have been out of business YEARS ago but the government keeps giving them money to stay afloat. that's why you still get mail on Saturday.

 

[WeedHopper]

Yeah well maybe my boy political name will fix some of that waste.

 

[kaotik]

hilarious that the only legit legal system in canada, is only allowed to distribute by mail. (no dispensary/storefront sales)
..and y'all can't even mail advertising?
:rofl:

 

[Grower13]

hilarious that the only legit legal system in canada, is only allowed to distribute by mail. (no dispensary/storefront sales)
..and y'all can't even mail advertising?
:rofl:

and yet High Times Magazine is sent by mail isn't it?:confused2:

 

[WeedHopper]

Have you seen the ppl that work at the Post Office,,,they could give a crap whats coming thru the mail. They work to make a check. I work in all Federal Facilities and ive seen it up close and personal,,,yur lucky its even delivered to the right address.:rofl:

 

[Rosebud]

I will quit mailing marijuana ads right now. thanks, phewy.