Google Bans Marijuana Sales Apps from Play Store

Google has introduced new rules that prohibit apps offering the ability to purchase marijuana from appearing in the Play Store—even in countries and states where marijuana is legal.

Legalization and Online Sales

Marijuana is becoming legal in more and more countries. In the United States, over half of the states have legalized marijuana in some form. As a result, the option to buy marijuana has started to appear both online and in mobile apps. However, Google has decided to keep such opportunities out of the Android ecosystem.

New Play Store Policy

According to the new policy, apps in the Play Store are not allowed to sell marijuana to users in any form. Violations include:

• Allowing users to purchase marijuana directly through a shopping cart feature
• Helping users arrange delivery or pickup of marijuana
• Facilitating the sale of products containing marijuana

Impact on Popular Apps

Apps like Eaze and Weedmaps have already been affected by this policy. Representatives from these companies have expressed frustration with Google’s decision. For example, Eaze claims it only works with adult users and licensed retailers. However, this argument has not changed Google’s stance.

Google has not removed these apps from the Play Store but has required developers to make the necessary changes to ensure their products comply with the new rules.