Ban the showing of advertisements of prescription drugs in Minnesota.

 

The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the showing of advertisements of prescription drugs in the state of Minnesota.

This will contribute to the lowering of prescription drug costs and decluttering the online experience.

 

There are very few regulations on advertisements of prescription drugs in Minnesota. According to the Journal of the

American Medical Association direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs has increased 361% from 1997 to 2016,

and the number has only gone up since then. Direct-to-Consumer Advertising has also been shown to be a factor raising

the price of prescription drugs, this is because people see the drug, especially the side effects, think they need it,

they get it then the demand goes up so the price does.

 

Advertisement - A paid notice that is published or broadcast to attract customers or to provide information of public

interest.

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising - A marketing strategy used by brands to sell products or services directly to their

customers, bypassing traditional retailers or intermediaries.

Prescription Drugs - Drugs that need a prescription from a doctor to obtain.

 

This bill needs a small amount of funding for taking down physical advertisements. This funding would be provided by a

six month temporary 2% tax on prescription drugs, this would be paid by the companies before the drug is distributed to

Minnesota. This would be put in place 6 months before the bill is put in effect.

 

First offence - $40 million fine

Second offence - $80 million fine

Any continued offences - $160 million fine

 

January 1st 2027