The Detroit City Council has approved a resolution to draft an ordinance aimed at restricting billboard advertisements for marijuana and e-cigarette products, according to the Detroit News on November 20.
Detroit prohibits alcohol and tobacco ads within 1,000 feet of daycare centers, schools, libraries, parks, and similar locations. The proposed ordinance would expand these restrictions to include marijuana and e-cigarette advertising. The council has directed the legal department to prepare the necessary amendments to the city code.
"As youth, we need to look to prevent them from getting into a substance use problem with marijuana," Councilperson Scott Benson said.
Benson added that more and more products are coming out, with "stronger and stronger levels".
Earlier this year, City Councilwoman Angela Whitfield Calloway requested the legal department to draft an ordinance to ban or restrict marijuana billboard advertisements in Detroit, stating that they are "taking over our city." However, some cannabis store operators argue that such restrictions could infringe on their freedom of speech rights.
During Tuesday's city council meeting, Graham Anderson from the city law department explained the need for resolutions to justify ordinances. He noted that these documents clarify why the city needs "this restriction on speech."
The resolution highlights data from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, showing that teenage marijuana use has reached its highest levels in 30 years.
Anderson added that the legal department aims to make "significant progress" on regulations during the council's recess from late November to early January.
Councilman Coleman A. Young II raised concerns about passing ordinances and resolutions. He suggested addressing the issue through health department education rather than restricting advertisements.
"I think there are better ways that we can address this issue, quite frankly," he said. "And I think that what kids are exposed to on television and the internet, I think, is much more pervasive and provocative, if you will."
