Instagram bans can be a major headache, especially if you’re in the cannabis game on social media. If you’ve run a weed-themed account, chances are you’ve felt the sting of a ban or two. It’s a fact: if you don’t play by Instagram’s rules, you’re playing with fire. Sooner or later, they’ll catch up to you, and you could see all that hard work go up in smoke with a deleted profile.
Now, there’s been a bit of a witch hunt vibe on Instagram with cannabis accounts throwing shade at each other for snitching and causing bans. But here’s a little food for thought — Instagram’s got this image detection tech that’s pretty darn slick.
When you’re scrolling or uploading, you might catch a glimpse of Instagram’s image detection doing its thing. It shows a quick text description of what’s in the image, right from the metadata, and it’s surprisingly spot-on.
Instagram’s Object & Text Detection: How It Detects Weed Posts
Getting the lowdown on Instagram’s image recognition tech isn’t exactly straightforward. But what we’ve seen is that it’s sharp. It scans images for objects and text, and it’s got a pretty impressive track record for accuracy, as far as we can tell. It tags cannabis content under categories like ‘plant’ and ‘outdoors,’ which is no small feat considering images are usually tougher to analyze than text. And remember, this is just what we’re seeing from the outside.
You can see the description on a desktop – Stop the page loading halfway and if you get it at the right time you will se a description of each image with impressive detail.
When Instagram’s AI starts piecing together the puzzle with your hashtags, comments, post text, not to mention your username and bio, it gets a pretty clear picture of what you’re all about. And since it’s a learning machine, it’s constantly getting smarter — though it’s bound to trip up now and then.
Instagram’s Object & Text Detection: How It Detects Weed Posts
Getting the lowdown on Instagram’s image recognition tech isn’t exactly straightforward. But what we’ve seen is that it’s sharp. It scans images for objects and text, and it’s got a pretty impressive track record for accuracy, as far as we can tell. It tags cannabis content under categories like ‘plant’ and ‘outdoors,’ which is no small feat considering images are usually tougher to analyze than text. And remember, this is just what we’re seeing from the outside.
You can see the description on a desktop – Stop the page loading halfway and if you get it at the right time you will se a description of each image with impressive detail.
When Instagram’s AI starts piecing together the puzzle with your hashtags, comments, post text, not to mention your username and bio, it gets a pretty clear picture of what you’re all about. And since it’s a learning machine, it’s constantly getting smarter — though it’s bound to trip up now and then.
Instagram’s Stance on Weed in 2024
Instagram’s current stance on weed-related content is pretty clear: no selling, no advertising, no sharing contact info like phone numbers or addresses. They won’t let dispensaries promote their biz, even with a simple ‘contact us’ button. But hey, you can totally drop a website link in your bio.
Instagram Cannabis Content: What Works and What Doesn’t
Let’s break it down to keep your account in the clear:
What’s cool with Instagram When It Comes to Weed:
- A well-written bio that sticks to the rules.
- A link to your website in your bio.
- Savvy, rule-respecting posts.
What’s not cool with Instagram:
- No sharing your digits, email, or where you’re located.
- Skip the ‘Contact Us’ option if you’re a business account.
- Don’t talk prices or go heavy on the sales lingo in your posts.
- Be smart with your hashtags and avoid ones that are too on the nose about cannabis.
- For example, using hashtags like #cannabiscommunity or #hightimes might be okay, but #buymyweed could get you flagged. When it comes to images, a picture of your grow setup might pass the test, but an image with visible product packaging or prices is a no-go.
How To Post Weed On Instagram Without Getting Deleted
| Cannabis Product Category | Dos | Don’ts | Hashtag Examples (Good) | Hashtag Examples (Bad) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edibles | Post lifestyle images showing enjoyment or recipes. | Avoid showing consumption or prices. | #EdibleRecipes #CannabisCuisine | #GetHighEdibles #WeedBrowniesForSale |
| Pre-Rolls | Showcase the product in a neutral setting or with creative design. | Don’t depict the act of smoking or use suggestive language. | #PreRollArt #SativaStrains | #SmokeUp #BuyPreRolls |
| Flowers | Focus on the beauty of the plant or its natural environment. | Steer clear of images with product pricing or weight. | #CannabisPhotography #TrichomeTuesday | #CheapWeed #OunceDeals |
| Concentrates | Share educational content about the extraction process or safe usage. | Refrain from displaying usage methods or dabbing. | #ShatterDay #RosinRevolution | #DabsForSale #HitThisWax |
| Grow Equipment | Highlight the technology or growing techniques. | Don’t show plants in early growth stages or imply yield sizes. | #GrowTech #CultivationLife | #GrowYourOwnWeed #MassiveHarvest |
| CBD Products | Educate about benefits or share customer testimonials. | Avoid medical claims or promises of effects. | #CBDWellness #HempHealth | #CureWithCBD #CBDMiracles |
| Merchandise (Branding) | Feature your branded merchandise in fashionable settings. | Don’t combine with images of actual cannabis products. | #CannabisFashion #WeedWear | #StonerShirts #PotApparel |
| Accessories | Display artistic or innovative designs of accessories. | Don’t show accessories in use or alongside illegal substances. | #VapeDesign #GlassArt | #SmokeSesh #BongHits |
Posting cannabis images and videos on TikTok and Instagram can be a challenge. That’s why we made a few guides to help you avoid a ban. Click here for our guide to posting weed on TikTok.
