Google removes medical marijuana app from Play store

Green Exchange had said Google approved its Loud Cannabis app and that the program had been available for months before getting pulled. The app allowed people who use marijuana for medical reasons to connect with growers and arrange to have the drug delivered to them.

Downloads of Loud Cannabis increased after the app received an award earlier this month, possibly leading Google to more closely examine the services offered, Green Exchange said Monday.

Google didn't immediately reply to a request for comment, but its app developer guidelines prohibit programs that promote illegal activities. Selling prescription drugs without a prescription is explicitly mentioned. Google may think Loud Cannabis ran afoul of this guideline, but Green Exchange said the search giant is mistaken.

Green Exchange pointed out it only operates in California, where using marijuana for medical purposes is legal if people have a recommendation from their doctor.

Pulling the app from the Play Store violated patients' right to receive medical treatment, according to Green Exchange's interpretation of California law. However, while people are entitled to "uninterrupted care" from a doctor and health insurance organization, the law doesn't mention receiving medical services via a mobile app or website.

Green Exchange will appeal Google's decision and attempt to have its app reinstated. Until then, the company is directing Android users to its mobile website.

As U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical use, companies have sprung up with mobile apps that offer on-demand delivery of the drug from medical dispensaries.

Loud Cannabis may have been booted by Google, but other medical marijuana delivery apps can still be downloaded from Play. For example, the Nestdrop app offers delivery services in certain West Coast cities, including San Francisco, Seattle and Portland, Oregon. In San Francisco, people can use Meadow's app or website to place orders for medical marijuana.

Fred O'Connor writes about IT careers and health IT for The IDG News Service. Follow Fred on Twitter at @fredjoconnor. Fred's e-mail address is fred_o'connor@idg.com