A recently placed cannabis billboard in Philadelphia has stirred strong reactions from parents, educators, and local officials. Located along New State Road in Tacony, just off I-95 North, the advertisement promotes Quality Roots, a New Jersey dispensary. The issue? It stands in clear view of Mast Charter Community School, which is preparing to welcome over 1,000 students back in just a few weeks.
Many parents argue the cannabis billboard sends the wrong message to children. One concerned neighbor said, “School is starting back up and they’re gonna think it’s okay to smoke marijuana when they see it on a billboard.”
District Councilmember Mike Driscoll also expressed surprise at the placement, suggesting there are “better locations for that.” He emphasized the importance of keeping advertising near schools positive and non-controversial.
Councilman Isaiah Thomas, who chairs the Philadelphia City Council’s Education Committee, echoed these concerns. “When we talk about safety, we’re always talking about safety to and from schools,” Thomas noted, “but never do we talk about the perspective of what people are advertising to our young folks.”
Following inquiries from FOX 29, Keystone Outdoor Advertising’s COO confirmed that the cannabis billboard would be removed. In a statement, the company acknowledged the oversight and admitted that while they work to avoid placing ads too close to schools, this one “was regrettably missed.”
“Cannabis advertising is a fast-growing category,” the COO explained. “We work hard to flag potential conflicts like proximity to schools.
The company assured that steps are being taken to ensure the cannabis billboard is taken down as quickly as possible.
This situation highlights a broader debate over where cannabis advertising should be allowed. While recreational cannabis is legal in neighboring New Jersey, Pennsylvania has yet to legalize adult-use sales. That makes the presence of a cannabis billboard in a highly visible location especially near a school even more controversial.
Supporters of tighter regulations argue that cannabis ads should be held to the same restrictions as alcohol and tobacco, avoiding locations that could influence minors. Opponents of strict limits say cannabis businesses deserve equal marketing opportunities, but agree that a cannabis billboard in front of a school is not ideal.
For the Tacony community, the quick removal of the ad will be a relief. Local leaders hope this serves as a reminder to review placement policies for all future cannabis advertising. As the COO noted, “I feel optimistic about the next steps after talking to all parties involved that the cannabis billboard will be removed in an expedited manner.”
The resolution may come swiftly, but the conversation about responsible advertising and where a cannabis billboard belongswill likely continue.
