You Shall Not Pass? The Design of Age Gates in an Emerging Cannabis Market. (July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Madson, Michael J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of technical writing & communication. Volume 53:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: 240
• Page End: 276
• Publication Date: 2023-07
• Subjects: cannabis -- age gate -- design -- mystery shopping -- marijuana -- content analysis -- controversial industries -- Arizona -- public health -- compliance; Technical writing -- Periodicals; 808.0666
• DOI: 10.1177/00472816221104497
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2816

Abstract

Age gates are becoming common on the websites of cannabis dispensaries, following design practices in other controversial industries. Yet, age gates can typically be bypassed through trial and error or basic arithmetic, raising questions over best practices. This study therefore characterized the age gates of dispensaries licensed in the Arizona adult use cannabis program, using a "digital mystery shopper" approach to examine the age gates' location, appearance, and performance. After presenting the results, I outline possible best practices and next steps for technical and professional communicators.