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."
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