Google has recently banned marijuana delivery companies from selling weed directly through their apps.
The company has pointed out however that it is not trying to drive marijuana-related services off the Google Play Store.
Google spoke to The Verge and said that it is working with developers to make their apps compliant with the new rules, rather than trying to ban them from the Play Store altogether.
Android apps look like they can still promote the drug, but they’re not allowed to offer an “in-app shopping cart feature” to assist with “arranging delivery or pick up of marijuana” or to otherwise “facilitate the sale of marijuana or marijuana products, regardless of legality.”
“Google says it’s working with app developers to prevent “customer disruption””
In a statement to The Verge, Google said, “These apps simply need to move the shopping cart flow outside of the app itself to be compliant with this new policy,” said a spokesperson. “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.”
A spokesperson from Eaze responded and said, “In California, and many other markets across the nation, lawmakers have established clear cannabis laws and regulations. Eaze connects adults only to licensed, regulated cannabis retailers,” reads a statement sent to The Verge. “Google’s decision is a disappointing development that only helps the illegal market thrive, but we are confident that Google, Apple, and Facebook will eventually do the right thing and allow legal cannabis companies to do business on their platforms. We regret any inconvenience this may cause for customers and patients.”
