Will cannabis or alcohol related email content trigger spam filters?

Email marketer from SparkPost shares that focusing on sender reputation and permission-based marketing is more important than specific keywords. If you are sending to a permission-based list the topic will have very little impact on deliverability.

Email marketer from Validity shares the key to deliverability is trust with recipient ISPs and subscribers. Trust is built through consistent, high-quality email programs and permission-based sending.

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that some clients struggle and get banned from Klaviyo for sending cannabis-related content, even if they don't sell cannabis, and are having difficulty with Outlook and Hotmail.

Email marketer from Mailjet explains that while filters don't explicitly block cannabis or alcohol content, these topics can increase spam scores due to their association with unwanted or harmful content. High-quality content, permission-based lists, and good sender reputation are critical.

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions you have to worry more about your ESP allowing the content than Gmail, etc.

Email marketer from Reddit User shares that while individual keywords rarely trigger spam filters on their own, the overall context, sender reputation, and recipient engagement are critical. Using common spam trigger words in conjunction with questionable content will increase your spam score and lower your chances of inbox placement.

Email marketer from Campaign Monitor responds that while specific content about alcohol or cannabis isn't automatically flagged, the context and sender reputation play a significant role. If the email seems promotional and lacks proper consent, it's more likely to be filtered.

Email marketer from Sendinblue shares that certain words and topics, including those related to alcohol or controlled substances, can trigger spam filters if not handled carefully. They recommend balancing the use of such words with high-quality, engaging content.

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that spamminess is influenced by scammer activity and trends. Adult content, cannabis, and crypto may face delivery difficulties. Warming up and building sender reputation is harder with some subjects. Recipient interactions determine mail fate. Content matters, and predeployment inbox placement testing is recommended to avoid scam tactics.

Email marketer from Email Geeks says that Hotmail and Office 365 often filter content, possibly for security reasons, and even a word in all caps can significantly affect spam filtering.

Email marketer from StackExchange user responds that spam filters consider many factors, and content related to sensitive subjects (like alcohol or cannabis) may contribute to a higher spam score. The user suggests building a strong sender reputation and obtaining explicit consent from subscribers to avoid triggering filters.

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that spam is unwanted emails, not emails about specific topics, and mailbox providers focus on delivering desired emails regardless of content. The content of the mail is not relevant for modern spam filters. Focus on sending emails to people who asked for it.

Email marketer from BlackHat Forum mentions that in their experience, ESPs are more sensitive to content related to 'gray areas' like alcohol, cannabis, and crypto. They emphasize following the rules of each ESP and ensuring that your infrastructure is set up correctly.

Expert from Spam Resource explains that factors such as sender reputation, authentication, and list hygiene are more important than just keywords. The site does not explicitly mention that cannabis or alcohol are on any specific block list but advises caution if promoting those types of products as some ISPs do treat those categories with scrutiny.

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that focusing on building a good sending reputation and engaging subscribers is key. They suggest that while certain topics might be riskier, focusing on relevance and permission is more important than avoiding specific keywords related to cannabis or alcohol.

Documentation from Spamhaus explains that avoiding certain topics that are commonly associated with spam campaigns, such as unregulated goods, is critical. While alcohol or cannabis itself isn't directly blacklisted, its promotion requires careful management of sender reputation and compliance with local regulations.

Documentation from RFC 5322 explains that email content should adhere to certain standards to avoid being flagged as spam. Although it does not specifically prohibit any keywords, using sensational or misleading language, or content related to regulated items, increases the chances of being marked as unsolicited bulk email.

Documentation from Google's Bulk Sender Guidelines notes that focusing on relevance and user consent is key to inbox placement. While not explicitly banning specific topics like alcohol or cannabis, they emphasize avoiding misleading or aggressive marketing tactics often associated with such products.

Documentation from Microsoft explains that Outlook.com policies prohibit illegal or harmful content. While alcohol or cannabis content isn't directly forbidden, emails promoting these should comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and should not target regions where it is illegal, else they risk being flagged.