Continue to Site »
Site will load in 15 seconds
Advertisment: Fluence » Fluence Order 95 » CBT ROS Banner 970x250 September 2025 » FLU-DBA_SPYDR3_970 x 250

California Threatens Weedmaps Over Promotion of Illegal Cannabis Shops

The state's cannabis czar issued a cease-and-desist order to Weedmaps this week.

California

California’s cannabis czar issued a cease and desist order to Weedmaps, directing the Irvine internet company that maps marijuana dispensaries to immediately stop promoting businesses that don’t have state licenses.

“You are aiding and abetting in violation of state cannabis laws,” states the letter from Lori Ajax, chief of the Bureau of Cannabis Control.

Advertisment: Cannabis Business Times » Cannabis Business Times Best Cannabis Companies to Work For » CBT Best Companies 2026 ROS Parallax Reveal » bcc-ads-730x570
Advertisment: Cannabis Business Times » Cannabis Business Times Best Cannabis Companies to Work For » CBT Best Companies 2026 ROS Parallax Reveal » bcc-ads-730x570

If the company doesn’t immediately drop advertisements for unlicensed businesses, Ajax said Weedmaps could face criminal and civil penalties, including civil fines for each illegal ad.

The warning is the only cease and desist letter sent by the state to an advertising company, according to bureau spokesman Alex Traverso. 

Advertisment: Cannabis Business Times » Cannabis Business Times Best Cannabis Companies to Work For » CBT Best Companies ROS 300x250 Medium Rectangle » great-place-2026-animation300x250.gif

Read more

Top photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Advertisment: Cannabis Business Times » Green Check Webinar Promo House Ad » CBT_Green Check Sept 2025 Webinar Promo Medium Rectangle 300x250 » green-check-whitepaper-webinar300x250 (1)-RESIZED FINAL.jpg
Advertisment: Cannabis Business Times » Green Check Webinar Promo House Ad » CBT_Green Check Sept 2025 Webinar Promo Medium Rectangle 300x250 » green-check-whitepaper-webinar300x250 (1)-RESIZED FINAL.jpg
Page 1 of 810
Next Page
Advertisment: Greentank » Greentank Order 111 » CBT ROS Mobile Adhesion 360x120 September 2025 » gt-ac-360x120