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BOSTON CANNABIS MARKETING

Boston, the Cradle of Liberty, is famous for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning cityscape. In recent years, it has also risen as a significant player in the cannabis industry. As the most populous city in Massachusetts, Boston has seen remarkable growth in the cannabis market since the state's legalization of recreational cannabis in 2016. Home to nearly 700,000 residents and attracting a large number of tourists each year (most of them Red Sox fans!!!), the city offers vast opportunities for cannabis entrepreneurs and investors. With increasing competition in the cannabis sector, it is vital for businesses to develop a strong brand identity and efficient marketing strategies to thrive in Boston's booming cannabis landscape.

The Hood Collective, a leading, comprehensive digital marketing agency, specializes in catering to the unique needs of Boston's cannabis industry. With a deep understanding of the New England cannabis market, our team excels at helping local businesses maneuver the competitive environment and establish a potent presence in the city. Our roots in the East Coast and dedication to the regional market set us apart from other marketing agencies that may merely offer perfunctory attention to cannabis. Our accomplished team of graphic designers, videographers, photographers, and drone pilots provide outstanding marketing solutions for cannabis cultivators, dispensaries, CBD retailers, advocates, and event organizers in and around Boston.

Working with The Hood Collective ensures that your cannabis business benefits from cutting-edge digital and print content, high-definition video, and stunning photography, all customized to enhance your brand and engage your target audience. Contact us today to arrange a complimentary consultation.

 

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WHEN DID BOSTON LEGALIZE CANNABIS?

The journey towards the legalization of cannabis in Boston, Massachusetts, like many other places, has been a progressive one. The first significant milestone towards this was the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana. In November 2008, Massachusetts voters approved a measure (Question 2) to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. This meant that possession of an ounce or less of marijuana was no longer a criminal offense, but instead was treated as a civil violation, punishable by a fine of $100. As the capital and most populous city of Massachusetts, Boston conformed to this state-wide change.

The next pivotal step in this process was the legalization of medical cannabis. In November 2012, the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative, or Question 3, was approved by 63% of voters. This initiative allowed qualifying patients with certain medical conditions to use and possess marijuana for medical purposes, given they have a written certification from a physician. The Department of Public Health was tasked with regulating medical marijuana centers, from where the drug could be obtained. Following this state-wide legislation, Boston saw the establishment of dispensaries where qualifying patients could legally access medical cannabis.

The most recent and significant phase in Boston's cannabis history was the legalization of recreational cannabis. In November 2016, Massachusetts voters approved a ballot initiative (Question 4) to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and older, known as the Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Initiative. This permitted adults to possess, use, and purchase cannabis. It also allowed for the development of a regulated cannabis market under the control of the Cannabis Control Commission. This legislation led to the opening of the first recreational marijuana shops in Boston in 2018. Although the process was gradual with slow licensing procedures, the city's cannabis industry has grown significantly since the legalization, with numerous retail cannabis shops now operating in and around Boston.

WHAT ARE THE CANNABIS ADVERTISING RULES IN BOSTON, MA?

Cannabis advertising rules in Boston, Massachusetts, as in the rest of the state, are regulated primarily by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). They have established a comprehensive set of regulations to ensure that cannabis products are advertised responsibly and without appealing to minors. It's important to note that any new or revised regulations from the CCC after my knowledge cutoff in September 2021 may not be included in this answer.

One of the fundamental rules is that cannabis businesses are prohibited from making false or misleading statements in their advertising. They cannot promote overconsumption, make therapeutic or curative claims without substantial evidence, or depict consumption of marijuana in a way that is not in line with Massachusetts law.

Another critical regulation is the prohibition on advertising that is designed to appeal to individuals under 21 years of age. This includes any symbol, language, music, gesture, visual image, character, or object that could reasonably be expected to appeal to minors. Advertisements cannot depict anyone under the age of 21 or be placed within a radius of 500 feet of a public or private school, playground, or other areas where children commonly congregate.

For digital marketing and online advertisements, an age-verification process must be in place to ensure viewers are at least 21 years old. This age-gate mechanism is commonly used on websites, social media platforms, and other digital platforms associated with cannabis businesses.

Billboard advertising also has specific restrictions in Massachusetts. Apart from the prohibition on being placed within a 500-foot radius of a school or playground, a billboard must not be illuminated between the hours of 11pm and 6am. In addition, they cannot display any statement, illustration, or depiction that encourages the use of marijuana because of its intoxicating effect.

Lastly, any promotional giveaway or product designed to encourage the sale of marijuana products is prohibited. This includes coupons, free marijuana products, promotional products, branded merchandise, and sweepstakes.

It's important to remember that these rules are subject to change as cannabis regulations evolve and are also subject to local city ordinances which may be more restrictive. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to consult with legal experts and stay up-to-date with the latest regulations from both the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and the City of Boston.

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS CANNABIS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS

Whether your cannabis company is nestled in the historic city of Boston or its neighboring areas, The Hood Collective provides outstanding photography and videography services to bolster the burgeoning cannabis industry. With a vibrant and diverse community of creatives, Boston has a unique photography and videography scene that brings a fresh perspective to the industry. Our team of professional photographers and videographers are dedicated to creating superior marketing materials that enable small- and medium-sized cannabis businesses to connect with their customers and grow their enterprise.

We understand the importance of visually engaging content in the cannabis industry, which is why our team utilizes the latest camera and lighting equipment to deliver captivating visuals for your website, marketing collateral, and social media presence. Additionally, we have licensed drone pilots on staff to provide aerial photography and videography. We offer customizable photography packages to accommodate businesses of all sizes, allowing them to scale up as they grow and achieve greater success.

Our specialized cannabis photography team in Boston offers a range of services, including product photography, lifestyle photography, event photography, and videography. We take pride in our unique approach to photography and videography and are committed to delivering exceptional results that meet the specific needs of your cannabis business.

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  • Cannabis Flower Photography

  • Cannabis Event Photography

  • Cannabis Team Photography

  • Cannabis Farm Photography

  • Cannabis Greenhouse Photography

  • Cannabis Flower Photography

  • Cannabis Model Photography

  • Cannabis Drone Photography

  • Cannabis Hemp Photography

  • Cannabis CBD Photography

 

At The Hood Collective, we're proud to offer first-rate video production services tailored to the Boston cannabis market. Our skilled team is dedicated to making your business shine and thrive. We provide comprehensive support throughout the filmmaking process, from idea generation to post-production. Our team operates with cutting-edge production equipment, including professional-grade LED lighting, high-definition cameras, and superb audio technology, to ensure exceptional outcomes. We even have a team specializing in animation, guaranteeing that your videos include high-quality motion graphics and title designs. We place a high emphasis on collaborating with our clients to optimize the value of their video content and assure substantial return on investment.

Besides our top-of-the-line video production services, we offer other exclusive offerings specifically tailored to the Boston market. Our team is deeply familiar with Boston's cannabis industry and can create video content that fits the unique requirements of businesses in this region. We can craft enticing product demonstrations, behind-the-scenes peeks at your cultivation operations, and much more. Leveraging our extensive knowledge of the Boston cannabis market, we're ready to help elevate your business with high-quality video content.

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  • Cannabis About Us Videos

  • Cannabis Educational Videos

  • Cannabis Testimonials

  • Cannabis Event Videography

  • Cannabis Motion Graphics

  • Cannabis Informational Videos

  • Cannabis Drone Videos

  • Cannabis Social Media Videos

  • Cannabis Promo Videos

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS CANNABIS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

In the dynamic and fast-paced Boston cannabis market, strong and impactful branding is essential. At The Hood Collective, we offer bespoke graphic design and branding services tailored to meet the unique needs and nuances of this burgeoning sector. Our experienced team of graphic designers understand the cultural and aesthetic attributes of Boston, enabling them to create visually appealing and culturally resonant designs that truly reflect your brand and the community it serves.

Our branding services are comprehensive, encompassing logo design, packaging design, and branding guideline creation to ensure consistency across all platforms. We work closely with each client to understand their vision and business values, translating these into distinctive and memorable visual identities. In an industry where differentiation is key, we strive to create a brand image for your cannabis business that not only stands out but also resonates with your target audience. 
As if that weren't enough, our Creative Director is a die-hard Bruins fan (we don't hold it against him).

For graphic design, our services extend to creating a variety of marketing materials such as brochures, banners, posters, business cards, and digital assets for your website and social media. We combine creativity with industry knowledge to produce designs that are not only visually stunning but also compliant with the strict advertising regulations within the cannabis industry. Trust The Hood Collective to take your Boston cannabis business to the next level through exceptional branding and graphic design.

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Our specialized Los Angeles cannabis graphic design team provides a wide range of services, including:

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  • Cannabis Logo Design

  • Cannabis Packaging Design

  • Cannabis Branding And Style Guides

  • Cannabis Web Design

  • Cannabis Social Media Design (and Social Media Management)

  • Cannabis Animation

  • Cannabis Infographics

  • Cannabis T-Shirt Design

  • Cannabis Business Card Design

  • Cannabis Ad Design

WHERE WE OPERATE IN BOSTON'S CANNABIS INDUSTRY

The Hood Collective is committed to helping cannabis businesses in Southern California succeed. We're able to work with businesses in the following neighborhoods, communities, and counties:

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  • Beacon Hill

  • Brookline

  • Cambridge

  • Somerville

  • Back Bay

  • South End

  • Fenway-Kenmore

  • Charleston

  • East Boston

  • Jamaica Plain

  • West Roxbury

  • Roxbury

  • Dorchester

  • Allston-Brighton

  • Hyde Park

  • Mattapan

  • South Boston

  • Roslindale

  • Mission Hill

 

Don't see your neighborhood listed? Don't hesitate to reach out. We'll be happy to travel anywhere in Boston to help our customers succeed.

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WHY PARTNER WITH THE HOOD COLLECTIVE FOR YOUR CANNABIS MARKETING

The Hood Collective is uniquely positioned to serve your cannabis business in Boston, combining deep industry-specific knowledge with a broad range of creative services. As specialists in the cannabis sector, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the market, and we tailor our services to help you navigate these complexities. Our suite of offerings, from top-tier photography and videography to compelling branding and graphic design, are designed to elevate your brand, engage your audience, and drive business growth. The importance of our cannabis-specific focus cannot be overstated. In an industry that continues to grow and evolve, having a partner who truly understands the landscape, the regulations, and the culture is crucial. The Hood Collective is more than a service provider; we are a partner committed to helping you succeed in the flourishing Boston cannabis market.

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Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how The Hood Collective can make a difference for your company.

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