The intersection of cannabis and sports has entered another major chapter — this time on live baseball broadcasts in one of America’s biggest media markets. During recent New York Mets telecasts on SNY, viewers began noticing cannabis advertisements from New York dispensary operator Strain Stars airing between innings and commercial breaks. While some see the move as another sign of the legal cannabis industry becoming mainstream, others argue the placement crosses a line by exposing younger audiences to cannabis marketing during America’s pastime.
The controversy has sparked political backlash, reignited conversations around cannabis normalization, and raised broader questions about how legal cannabis brands should engage with sports audiences in the modern media era.
The debate intensified after SNY aired a 30-second advertisement from Strain Stars, a licensed cannabis retailer with locations in Farmingdale, Riverhead, and White Plains. The commercial promoted discounts and daily giveaways while displaying cannabis flower imagery on-screen.
“10% off orders over $150. Only during Happy Hour — 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday-Friday,” the Strain Stars 30-second spot says in a message that blares across the TV with music in the background.
“Free items for the first 10 customers. At all 3 Strains Stars Locations. Every single day.”
The advertisements reportedly aired periodically during Mets broadcasts, including during the May 18 telecast, igniting criticism from some viewers and political figures who believe cannabis advertising should not appear during sports programming with youth audiences.
Greg Hach, a Republican congressional candidate in New York’s third district, publicly condemned the ads and criticized state regulators for permitting cannabis marketing during baseball broadcasts.
“It’s a wholesome American tradition — baseball,” said Hach. “We WANT kids tuning into it. But do we want them watching cannabis ads?”
Hach continued his criticism by targeting New York lawmakers and regulators directly.
“What happened to wholesome?” Hach said. “NY Democrats carved out a loophole to allow weed ads on sports TV, knowing full well that kids watch baseball games. Shame on them.”
While acknowledging support for legalization among adults, Hach maintained concerns surrounding youth exposure and cognitive health.
“You know why? Because study after study is showing that marijuana can seriously damage young brains,” Hach told The Post, saying he was calling for an outright ban on the ads.
On the other side of the conversation, Strain Stars defended the campaign as a compliant effort designed to support New York’s legal cannabis market while pulling consumers away from the illicit market that continues to dominate portions of the state.
“It’s to grow awareness for the legal market,” said Strain Stars co-owner Arsh Singh. “We do not target the younger demographic.”
According to Singh, the advertisements are intended for adults in their 30s and 40s — demographics that closely overlap with traditional sports television audiences.
The controversy arrives during a major expansion period for New York’s legal cannabis industry. The state now has 664 licensed adult-use cannabis stores, while legal cannabis sales have reportedly surpassed $5 million daily. Despite the rapid growth, industry sources acknowledge that the illicit market remains a significant challenge across the state.
The conversation surrounding cannabis advertising in sports reflects a larger evolution taking place across professional athletics and sports culture worldwide. As legalization expands across North America, cannabis companies are increasingly exploring partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising opportunities connected to mainstream sports audiences. Yet the balance between normalization, responsible marketing, and youth protection remains one of the industry’s most sensitive issues.
For athletes and sports wellness advocates, cannabis has become part of broader discussions surrounding recovery, pain management, sleep, and mental wellness. However, public health concerns surrounding underage consumption remain central to regulatory conversations. The Mets broadcast controversy highlights how sports media has now become one of the newest battlegrounds in the ongoing debate over cannabis visibility, consumer education, and responsible advertising standards.
Cannabis advertising during New York Mets broadcasts represents more than just a commercial placement; it signals a cultural shift unfolding in real time. As legal cannabis companies continue moving into mainstream entertainment and sports ecosystems, leagues, broadcasters, regulators, brands, and fans will all play a role in shaping what responsible cannabis visibility looks like moving forward. Looking ahead, Cannabis has officially entered the live sports broadcast arena, and the debate surrounding it is only beginning.
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