Content Guidelines

Our comprehensive guidelines for creating authentic, compliant, and engaging cannabis content that resonates with audiences while adhering to industry regulations.

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Introduction to Our Content Guidelines

At BuzzMaker, we believe in the power of authentic, responsible cannabis content. These guidelines are designed to help you create content that not only engages your audience but also adheres to legal requirements and industry best practices.

As a cannabis influencer, you play a critical role in shaping public perception of cannabis. Your content has the power to educate, entertain, and inspire, but it also comes with responsibility. By following these guidelines, you'll help promote a positive, safe, and compliant cannabis culture.

Legal Compliance

Understanding and adhering to cannabis regulations in your jurisdiction

Disclosure Requirements

Properly disclosing sponsored content and partnerships

Quality Standards

Creating high-quality, authentic content that resonates with your audience

Disclosure Requirements

Transparency builds trust with your audience and keeps you compliant with regulations

Why Disclosures Matter

Proper disclosures are not just legally required—they're essential for maintaining trust with your audience. When viewers know you're being compensated for content, they can make informed decisions about the products you're promoting.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires influencers to disclose any "material connection" to brands they promote, including:

  • Financial compensation
  • Free products or services
  • Family or business relationships
  • Employment relationships
Disclosure Example

Example Disclosure

"This video is sponsored by GreenLeaf Cannabis. All products were provided for review, but all opinions are my own and honest based on my experience."

Video Content Disclosures

  • Verbally disclose sponsorships at the beginning of videos
  • Include written disclosure in video descriptions
  • Use clear, unambiguous language (e.g., "This video is sponsored by...")
  • Consider adding text overlay for the first few seconds of sponsored videos

Photo/Social Media Disclosures

  • Include #ad, #sponsored, or #partnership in a prominent position
  • Place disclosures at the beginning of captions, not buried in hashtags
  • Use platform-specific disclosure tools when available
  • Avoid vague terms like "collab" or "spon" that may not be clear to all viewers

Important Note

Inadequate disclosures can result in FTC penalties and damage to your credibility. When in doubt, over-disclose rather than under-disclose. Your audience will appreciate your transparency, and you'll stay on the right side of regulations.

Prohibited Content

Content that violates our community standards and may result in account termination

Content Appealing to Minors

  • Using cartoons, animation styles, or characters that appeal to children
  • Featuring minors in any cannabis-related content
  • Using slang, music, or themes specifically popular with underage audiences
  • Creating content that mimics candy, toys, or other products marketed to children

Medical Claims

  • Claiming cannabis products cure, treat, or prevent any disease or condition
  • Presenting cannabis as an alternative to prescribed medications
  • Suggesting viewers should use cannabis for specific health conditions
  • Making definitive statements about cannabis's effects on health conditions

Dangerous Activities

  • Showing or encouraging cannabis use while driving or operating machinery
  • Depicting excessive consumption or "challenges"
  • Promoting risky consumption methods that may cause harm
  • Combining cannabis with excessive alcohol or other substances

Illegal Activities

  • Promoting or showing illegal cannabis sales or transactions
  • Demonstrating how to bypass regulations or law enforcement
  • Showing transportation of cannabis across state or international borders
  • Promoting unlicensed or black market cannabis products or businesses

Harmful Stereotypes

  • Perpetuating negative stereotypes about cannabis users
  • Using derogatory language or imagery related to cannabis culture
  • Content that stigmatizes cannabis use or users
  • Promoting cannabis use as a personality trait or identity

Misleading Content

  • Exaggerating product effects or benefits
  • Making unverifiable claims about THC percentages or potency
  • Presenting opinions as scientific facts
  • Using misleading thumbnails, titles, or descriptions to gain views

Zero Tolerance Policy

BuzzMaker has a zero-tolerance policy for prohibited content. Violations may result in immediate removal from our platform and termination of any ongoing partnerships. We take our responsibility to promote responsible cannabis content seriously and expect our creators to do the same.

Quality Standards

Creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience and represents brands effectively

Quality Content Setup

Technical Quality

  • Use proper lighting to clearly show products and details
  • Ensure clear audio without background noise or distractions
  • Film in stable, well-composed shots that showcase products effectively
  • Edit content professionally with clean transitions and appropriate pacing
Authentic Content Creation

Content Authenticity

  • Provide honest opinions based on actual product experience
  • Discuss both positive aspects and potential drawbacks of products
  • Maintain your unique voice and style in sponsored content
  • Only partner with brands and products that align with your values

Educational Value

Focus on providing valuable information that helps viewers make informed decisions about cannabis products and consumption.

Audience Engagement

Create content that encourages meaningful interaction with your audience through questions, calls to action, and community building.

Creative Presentation

Develop a distinctive style that makes your content stand out while effectively showcasing cannabis products in an appealing way.

Quality Content Benefits Everyone

High-quality content not only performs better with algorithms and audiences but also leads to more brand partnerships and higher compensation rates. Investing time in creating exceptional content pays off for both you and the brands you represent.

Platform-Specific Guidelines

Understanding the unique requirements of different social media platforms

Navigating Platform Policies

Each social media platform has its own policies regarding cannabis content. Understanding these differences is crucial for maintaining your accounts and avoiding penalties such as shadowbanning, demonetization, or account termination.

While cannabis is legal in many places, most major platforms still restrict cannabis content to varying degrees. Our platform-specific guidelines will help you navigate these restrictions while still creating effective content.

Cross-platform Content Planning

YouTube

  • Educational content about cannabis is generally permitted
  • Avoid showing actual consumption in thumbnails or first few minutes
  • Include age restrictions on cannabis-focused content
  • Avoid direct links to cannabis products in descriptions
  • Focus on reviews, education, and culture rather than "how to get high" content

Instagram

  • Avoid showing actual consumption in posts or stories
  • Don't use sales language like "buy now" or include prices
  • Focus on lifestyle, educational content, and aesthetics
  • Use caution with hashtags; avoid obvious terms like #weed or #cannabis
  • Include age disclaimers in bio and avoid direct product links

TikTok

  • Most restrictive platform; never show consumption or actual product
  • Focus on cannabis adjacent content (lifestyle, culture, education)
  • Use creative euphemisms and visual metaphors instead of direct references
  • Avoid cannabis-related hashtags and search terms
  • Consider creating a separate account for cannabis content

Twitter/X

  • Generally more permissive than other platforms
  • Still avoid direct sales language and links to purchasing
  • Include age disclaimers in bio and pinned tweets
  • Mark sensitive content appropriately when showing products
  • Great platform for industry news, advocacy, and educational content

Platform Safety Strategy

The most effective approach is to diversify your content across multiple platforms and maintain a personal website or email list that you control. This protects you from sudden policy changes or account suspensions on any single platform.

Remember that platform policies can change without notice. Stay informed about updates to terms of service and community guidelines for all platforms where you create content.

Best Practices & Resources

Tools and tips to help you create compliant, high-quality cannabis content

Pre-Posting Checklist

  • Content is appropriate for 21+ audience
  • All sponsorships are clearly disclosed
  • No medical claims or dangerous activities
  • Content complies with platform-specific rules
  • Technical quality meets professional standards

Support & Guidance

Have questions about content guidelines? Our team is here to help!

Have Questions?

If you're ever unsure about whether your content meets our guidelines, please reach out before posting. We're here to help you navigate the complex world of cannabis content creation and ensure your success on our platform.

Ready to Create Compliant Cannabis Content?

Join our community of professional cannabis content creators and start earning with BuzzMaker today!