Google Play’s Policy Update Bans Cannabis Sales-Related Apps
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]T[/dropcap]he Google Play Store just updated its inappropriate content policy regarding cannabis-related apps. The policy now specifically targets apps that directly sell or facilitate the sale of cannabis, regardless of its legality. It’s also not clear if other cannabis-related apps could potentially be affected under the policy update.
In Google Play’s policy regarding “Restricted Content,” there is a category for “Marijuana.” The policy reads, “We don’t allow apps that facilitate the sale of marijuana or marijuana products, regardless of legality. Here are some examples of common violations: Allowing users to order marijuana through an in-app shopping cart feature; Assisting users in arranging delivery or pick up of marijuana; Facilitating the sale of products containing THC.”
According to Android Police, currently two of the largest cannabis-related apps that stand to be affected are Weedmaps and Eaze. Google responded to Android Police, saying, “These apps simply need to move the shopping cart flow outside of the app itself to be compliant with this new policy. We’ve been in contact with many of the developers and are working with them to answer any technical questions and help them implement the changes without customer disruption.” At the time of this writing, both apps were still available and operating through the Google Play Store. This policy change appears to be part of Google Play’s mission to make the store more child friendly.
Google Play Product Manager Kanika Sachdeva published a post regarding the most recent update on Android Developer Blog on Wednesday, explaining that Google Play is committed to providing a safer Google Play for children. “After taking input from users and developers we are evolving our Google Play policies to provide additional protections for children and families. These policy changes build on our existing efforts to ensure that apps for children have appropriate content, show suitable ads, and handle personally identifiable information correctly; they also reduce the chance that apps not intended for children could unintentionally attract them,” Sachdeva wrote.
Google Play isn’t only targeting cannabis-related apps in terms of its restricted content. However, its policy regarding “Tobacco and Alcohol” only discourages irresponsible use or sale of tobacco or alcohol, while “Marijuana” use or sale is prohibited even when being promoted in a completely legal way. Weedmaps and Eaze have yet to respond to Android Police’s request for comment.
