The first televised marijuana ad was foiled by the federal government

Marijuana buds
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Monday was to be a landmark occasion for the country's legal pot proponents — the first televised marijuana advertisement was scheduled to air on Denver's ABC affiliate KMGH, right before Jimmy Kimmel Live! — but federal regulations got in the way.

While medical and recreational marijuana use is legal in Colorado — and in a few other states — it's still illegal under federal law. And because the FCC governs broadcast television, there's confusion surrounding the commercials' legality.

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Stephanie Talmadge

Stephanie is an editorial assistant at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Modern Luxury Media.