Well, it is good & bad news altogether. Google has officially banned the sale of marijuana or any marijuana products or any THC products regardless of their legality off the Google Play Store. First noted by Android Police, the update came this Wednesday when Google informed all the developers and officially enacted its updated policy that drives out pot-related services off the Play Store.
This might sound trouble for weed-finding apps like Weedmaps and Eaze, however, it is not the case. In fact, Google explicitly mentioned that they aren’t allowing any ‘in-app shopping cart feature’ within apps that go through the Google Play Store and doesn’t necessarily mean people don’t buy or sell marijuana. In fact, they can, however, they will have to route to an external website or portal to complete the payment processing that was earlier done within the app but no more.
The Verge adds that this ban includes apps that offer shopping card feature related to marijuana where delivery and pick up of marijuana or any other product made up of THC is banned. Google did state that it doesn’t want to remove apps that indulge in activities related to marijuana from its Google Play Store.
Furthermore, Google spokesperson stated that it has been working with the developers in order to provide required technical information regarding the ban and has provided 30 days to comply with the said ban so that no customers are discouraged or disappointed with the said ban if the apps are a complaint.
On the other hand, Apple restricting buying and selling or tobacco and marijuana and all other controlled substances on its apps although the restriction is now relaxed a bit to allow apps like Eaze and Weedmaps to thrive on iOS App Store although it doesn’t offer in-app purchases anymore.
Google has been cracking down on apps that intrude user’s privacy, security or use user’s device to show ads in the background or exploit the weakness and more. Marijuana is definitely another win-win situation for Google in order to make Play Store kid-friendly although there are certain discrepancies with the ban as well.
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