Marijuana: Mason Tvert can't pimp paperback deal on Facebook because book is about pot

In general, the Internet is a marijuana-friendly place -- but that doesn't mean every door is open to weed, as pot advocate Mason Tvert learned firsthand. His publisher wanted to use Facebook to tout a special deal on his book Marijuana Is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to...

By Michael Roberts

June 7, 2011

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In general, the Internet is a marijuana-friendly place -- but that doesn't mean every door is open to weed, as pot advocate Mason Tvert learned firsthand.

His publisher wanted to use Facebook to tout a special deal on his book Marijuana Is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink? only to discover that the social-media giant wouldn't allow ads to support it.

Tvert, the man behind Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER), and co-author of the tome with Steve Fox and Paul Armentano, explains via e-mail.

The book "just reached 500,000 fans on Facebook," he notes. "So to celebrate, our publisher" -- Chelsea Green Publishing -- "is offering copies for just $5.99. They wanted to promote this offer via Facebook, but Facebook is prohibiting them from posting FB ads about it. Their sole reason is that it pertains to marijuana. Yet Facebook always posts sample ads on our FB page offering us the opportunity to run an ad almost identical to the one rejected."

As proof, Tvert offers the following screen capture:

A post announcing this development on the Marijuana Is Safer Facebook page ends with, "WTF? This won't be the last you hear about this..."

Coming from Tvert, that's not a threat. It's a promise.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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Marijuana: Mason Tvert can't pimp paperback deal on Facebook because book is about pot

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