Fearing legal repercussions if their users break the law, Instagram and Apple’s App Store are reportedly cracking down on businesses promoting marijuana-related products or services.
Some dispensaries, retail stores and infused products companies have reported that their accounts were suspended or shut down without explanation, according to Buzzfeed.
Even an app that allows users to share photos or videos of marijuana-related activities was shut down by the App Store, which cited a clause saying apps need to follow local laws where they are used.
The app designer, MassRoots, said it would create a solution to allow only users in states where medical or recreational cannabis is legal. But Apple declined and removed it from the company’s app site.
Lawyers have differing views on the subject. A Washington cannabis lawyer told Buzzfeed that the social media companies are being overly cautious, but a tech lawyer said it’s wise for them to protect themselves against any potential liability.
As a compliance professional in the legal cannabis industry I find that the Tech Lawyers view of potential liability is far fetched to say the least. Apples actions appear to be more of an anti cannabis stance and censorship. Glad I’m a Samsung user!
Chat with other cannabis enthe #THC’s State-by-State (Legal) Greenrooms
More ridiculous Reefer Madness now mirrored by so called social media who is fast becoming just another cog in the anti marijuana industry. We do not need or want any Big Government crap, we want Free Market Hemp as it was in the beginning.
Apple is on an anti-cannabis crusade…really? Speaking of “far fetched.” Apple – the company that today announced the largest profit in corporate history – cares about protecting their a$$et$. The last thing Apple wants to do is jeopardize their $178B (that is Billion) in offshore cash and equivalents. If jellybeans were federally illegal all the jellybean apps would be removed. It has nothing to do with being anti-cannabis and everything to do with a$$et protection.