Dive Brief: 

• Although legalization of recreational marijuana purchases in Colorado and Washington has seen a lot of news coverage, pot-related businesses have been slow to advertise. 
• The Denver Post's new marijuana-centric website, The Cannabist, has only booked two advertisers so far. 
• Part of the slow adoption of advertising from dispensaries in particular is that business has been hectic without any advertising. 

Dive Insight: 

The marijuana industry is a new territory that brings with it years of controversy and misunderstanding. That can be a tricky place to navigate for marijuana-related businesses, so it makes sense that they have been slow to adopt. In addition to that, having a product that everyone wants without advertising wouldn't be a big motivator to spend money on ads just yet. Advertising practices are likely to change once the newness wears off and the policy becomes more socially acceptable.