Take a deep breath, New Jersey: your TV screens will be host to something never seen before.
We're talking, of course, about television ads for marijuana - specifically, MarijuanaDoctors.com, a Miami Beach-based directory style website that points you in the direction of doctors who prescribe medical marijuana.
Comcast subscribers will be the only ones privy to the minute-long ad spot, with New Jersey chosen due to its burgeoning medical marijuana program. The Garden State's program is only available to terminal patients, or those with extremely physically debilitating illnesses, and it's the company's intention that they make sufferers aware of their options - which include services by appointment. Networks available on Comcast include the ever-popular AMC, CNBC, Comedy Central, Bravo and the Food Network, possibly garnering more views for the ad. The commercial will run over two weeks - beginning Saturday night - and will appear 800 times. It's also limited to airtime between 10pm and 5am.
"Securing the airtime for our commercial on a major network was extremely difficult and at the same time, extremely satisfying," said Jason Draizin, founder and CEO of MarijuanaDoctors.com. "We recognize that the sale and use of marijuana is still considered very controversial and we are pleased that Comcast understands that there are legitimate businesses providing legitimate and legal services to people who have legitimate needs."
The ad takes a somewhat humorous tack, depicting a street vendor attempting to sell sub-par sushi. A voiceover runs throughout. "You wouldn't buy your sushi from this guy," it says, "so why would you buy your marijuana from him?"
"We felt the viewing public would agree that in the states providing safe access, continuing to obtain medicine illegally is as absurd as purchasing raw fish from a drug dealer," explained Draizin.
Medical marijuana is now legal in 20 states, while Colorado and Washington have approved recreational sale and use of the drug.
MarijuanaDoctors.com plans to expand the ad campaign to other states once the New Jersey run is over. With Massachusetts next in their sights, the company also plans to drive a large-scale online and print campaign to ensure eligible parties are kept abreast of the possibilities open to them.
