9 NYCRR §129.2(e)
How do cannabis warnings have to be displayed on a NY dispensary website?
Under 9 NYCRR §129.2(e), written warnings must be in the same language as the ad, in Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial or Helvetica, no smaller than 6-point, legible with sufficient contrast, unobscured, and inside a bright yellow text box. If the surrounding ad is yellow, the box needs a distinctive border.
What the regulation says
(e) Warnings pursuant to sections subdivisions (c) and (d) of this section shall be displayed as follows if printed or otherwise written on the advertising or advertisement: (1) in the same language as the advertising or advertisement; (2) in Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica; (3) in text no smaller than 6-point font size; (4) in text that is easily legible and contrasts sufficiently from the background and other text on the advertisement or marketing; (5) be unobscured and visible to the consumer; and (6) in a bright yellow text box so as to stand out from the surrounding advertising or advertisement. If the surrounding advertising or advertisement is yellow in color, the text box shall be offset with a distinctive border so as to differentiate it from the surrounding advertising or advertisement.
9 NYCRR §129.2(e), quoted word for word from OCM’s published text (9 NYCRR Parts 128 & 129, as adopted December 3, 2025, page 20). Checked against the source on October 20, 2026.
The six requirements
- Same language as the advertising.
- Font: Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica.
- No smaller than 6-point. The rule gives the size in points and does not give a screen-pixel equivalent, so erring larger is the safe choice on a website.
- Easily legible, with enough contrast from the background and other text.
- Unobscured and visible to the consumer. A warning hidden behind a menu, an overlay, or a collapsed section is a risk.
- In a bright yellow text box. If the surrounding advertising is yellow, the box is offset with a distinctive border.
Which warnings this covers
- Both the mandatory warning statement (§129.2(c)) and the rotating health warnings (§129.2(d)), whenever they are printed or written rather than read aloud.
Penalty
OCM can fine up to $5,000 per advertising violation (Cannabis Law §16). The actual amount is set case by case. Estimate your exposure.
How CannaComply checks this
Our scan does not grade display format automatically yet. Fonts, sizes and colours are checked by eye. The warning generator outputs a block in Arial on a bright yellow background.
Other website rules
Disclaimer: This page explains the published regulation text for general information. It is not legal advice. CannaComply is not affiliated with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). OCM interprets and enforces its regulations; consult a qualified cannabis regulatory attorney about your situation.