– A Royal Oak, Michigan resident voiced his dismay over the proliferation of marijuana billboards along the state’s roadways, adding his voice to a growing chorus of concern about the image these advertisements project.
Edmond Guay, in a letter published by the Detroit Free Press, stated he was “embarrassed and mortified” by the sheer number of cannabis advertisements visible upon entering Michigan from Pennsylvania via I-75. He described seeing “nothing but repeated and regurgitated billboard advertising for a litany of weed products, cannabis selling, etc.” for over 20 miles.
Guay, who reportedly voted against the legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan, acknowledged the outcome of the vote, stating, “But in our country, when the votes are counted, the majority rules.” However, he expressed concern that the prominent display of these advertisements creates a negative first impression for visitors, portraying Michigan “as a state so steeped in destructive behavior that it’s become an obsession.”
He further noted his long-standing discomfort with the presence of these ads, even when traveling within the state, particularly in northern Michigan. Guay questioned why the Michigan Legislature hasn’t taken action to regulate the advertisements, contrasting them with the restrictions placed on advertising for tobacco and alcohol.
“You don’t see tobacco products advertised like that. You don’t see alcohol products advertised with that widespread visibility,” he wrote. “I don’t understand why the Legislature in Michigan hasn’t corralled this proliferation of insanely insulting ads that do nothing but paint our state as a haven for getting high.”
The debate over marijuana advertising in Michigan comes several years after voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana sales. According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, such ads are generally welcomed by the industry. However, the sheer volume and visibility of these advertisements are raising questions about their impact on the state’s image.
The discussion surrounding marijuana billboards is occurring alongside another significant infrastructure project in Michigan: the Gordie Howe Bridge. Concerns have been raised about potential delays to the bridge’s opening, reportedly due to opposition from the owner of the Ambassador Bridge, Matthew Moroun, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Guay also mentioned this issue, expressing hope that the Gordie Howe Bridge would open on schedule, and criticizing the Moroun family for attempting to impede its construction.
“The Moroun family has spent millions at every turn to stop or slow this bridge from being built,” Guay wrote. “The Ambassador Bridge is privately owned and international, and should be under federal government control.”
The concerns raised by Guay reflect a broader debate about the balance between capitalizing on a legal industry and maintaining a positive public image. As Michigan’s cannabis market continues to develop, the issue of advertising regulation is likely to remain a topic of discussion among lawmakers and residents alike.
