Despite rolling out major changes to content moderation policies, Facebook’s parent company, Meta, seems unwilling to budge on its treatment of marijuana-related content. While Meta has embraced “free expression” with updated practices, cannabis-related accounts continue to face restrictions, leaving users frustrated and questioning the platform’s broader commitment to reform.
Meta’s New Content Policies: Big Changes, Big Promises
Earlier this week, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, introduced sweeping changes aimed at redefining how the company handles content moderation across its platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Among the headline-grabbing updates: a shift away from automated systems and third-party fact-checkers to a new community notes model that empowers users to flag questionable content.
In a statement, Meta highlighted its intention to “allow more speech by lifting restrictions on some topics that are part of mainstream discourse” while maintaining strict enforcement for high-severity violations. The announcement promised an end to what the company admitted had been an overly aggressive approach that censored too much legitimate content.
The move has been framed as a push for greater transparency and freedom of expression, targeting topics like immigration and gender identity—areas that often ignite political debate. However, for cannabis advocates, the optimism quickly turned into disappointment.
Cannabis Content Still on the Chopping Block
Marijuana-related accounts remain a glaring exception to Meta’s newfound flexibility. Users attempting to search for terms like “marijuana” or “cannabis” are met with a familiar message: a warning against drug sales and an invitation to report suspicious activity. This longstanding practice has left medical marijuana patients, cannabis entrepreneurs, and even government agencies struggling to connect with audiences on Meta’s platforms.
While Meta’s announcement acknowledged past errors caused by automated systems, there was no indication that its stance on marijuana would change. In fact, the company doubled down on prioritizing drug-related violations as a focus area for its content moderation systems. For cannabis-related posts, the status quo persists: visibility is limited, accounts are flagged, and community-building efforts are stymied.
A Missed Opportunity for Inclusion
The cannabis community’s frustration is palpable. As states across the U.S. and countries worldwide continue to legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use, Meta’s rigid policies feel increasingly out of touch. Critics argue that the platform’s blanket restrictions fail to distinguish between legal, educational, and advocacy content and actual illegal activity.
For many cannabis-focused businesses and individuals, Meta’s policies amount to digital gatekeeping. Content creators have reported sudden account suspensions, while cannabis news outlets find their reach throttled. Even educational posts—such as those from health organizations or legal cannabis firms—often fall victim to the platform’s sweeping drug policies.
“They’re treating us like we’re running illegal operations when all we’re doing is educating people or sharing personal experiences,” said one cannabis advocate who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s not just frustrating—it’s silencing.”
The Double Standard on “Free Expression”
Meta’s handling of marijuana content underscores a broader tension in its free expression strategy. By lifting restrictions on politically charged topics like immigration or gender identity, the company is signaling a willingness to engage with nuanced discourse. Yet cannabis—a topic that is increasingly mainstream—remains mired in outdated stigmas.
A closer look at the new policies reveals a possible explanation: Meta is prioritizing issues that generate political controversy, potentially to fend off criticism or regulatory scrutiny. Marijuana, by contrast, falls under the company’s focus on “tackling illegal and high-severity violations,” lumping it together with crimes like terrorism and fraud.
For advocates, this approach feels like an excuse rather than a justification. They argue that by failing to refine its policies around cannabis, Meta is missing an opportunity to align itself with shifting public attitudes and legal frameworks.
A Long Road Ahead for Reform
It’s unclear whether Meta’s marijuana policies will evolve in the future. The company did not respond to requests for clarification on its stance, leaving users in the dark about whether change is on the horizon.
In the meantime, cannabis-related accounts are finding creative workarounds:
- Some use alternative spellings or coded language to avoid detection.
- Others are migrating to platforms with more lenient policies, such as Twitter and TikTok.
- Advocacy groups are urging Meta to adopt a more nuanced approach, calling for a clear distinction between illegal drug sales and legitimate cannabis-related content.
But these solutions come with challenges. Coded language can confuse audiences, while shifting platforms often means losing followers and disrupting community engagement.
For now, Meta’s policies remain a stark reminder of the disconnect between the cannabis industry’s growing legitimacy and the tech giant’s rigid stance. As the debate over marijuana legalization continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Meta’s free expression push still has significant blind spots.
