How Ohio Cannabis Retailers Can Recover from Google Business Profile Suspensions

If you operate a cannabis dispensary in Ohio, you’ve probably noticed how important your Google Business Profile (GBP) is to driving foot traffic and online visibility. It’s how customers find you in “dispensary near me” searches, check your hours, read reviews, and get directions to your store.

But a rising number of dispensaries across Ohio are facing a serious issue: sudden GBP suspensions or unverifications. When this happens:

• Your business disappears from Google Maps.

• You no longer show up in local search.

• Customers can’t contact or locate you.

And worst of all? Reinstatement can take 3–4 weeks or more, according to both business owners and Google Product Experts.

For cannabis businesses — who can’t run traditional ads in Ohio due to legal restrictions — your Google presence is everything. Losing it means losing foot traffic, losing trust, and losing sales.

This isn’t just a glitch. Google is increasing enforcement of its verification rules, and Ohio dispensaries are getting caught in the crossfire.

Why Google Is Cracking Down on Business Profiles of Cannabis Businesses in Ohio

Google is placing more emphasis on business verification — especially in regulated industries like cannabis.

If you’re not verified, you may be:

• Automatically removed from search results

• Blocked from running Google Ads

• Flagged by AI-based fraud detection systems

Why the crackdown?

• Spam prevention: Fake listings and keyword-stuffed profiles undermine local search quality.

• Legal compliance: Especially with federally restricted products like cannabis, Google prefers to over-enforce rather than take risks.

• Market saturation: As Ohio’s dispensary market grows, Google’s algorithms are tightening to keep listings accurate.

This means if you operate a cannabis business — even a completely legitimate, licensed Ohio dispensary — you could still get flagged.

That’s why it’s crucial to understand how to verify your cannabis business on Google, and what to do if your profile is suspended.

How to Reinstate a Suspended Google Business Profile

If your profile has been suspended or marked as unverified, follow this proven Google Business Profile reinstatement process:

Step 1: File Your Initial Appeal

• Go to this form.

• Upload clear documentation, including:

  • Ohio medical or adult-use cannabis license

  • Business signage photos

  • Utility bills or lease showing business address

  • Photos of your retail storefront (inside and out)

After submission, wait for email updates. Processing times are longer than usual — 3–4 weeks is now the norm with no end in sight.

Step 2: Submit a Secondary Appeal If Denied

• Use this form: support.google.com/business/contact/local_appeals

• Be sure to include:

  • Your ticket number from step 1

  • All documentation again

Again, wait for support to respond via email. It may take several days or more.

Step 3: Escalate via Google’s Support Forum

• Go here: support.google.com/business/thread/new

• Create a post explaining your issue and include your ticket number

• A Google Business Product Expert may pick it up and escalate internally

Note: This step restarts the clock — it does not fast-track your appeal. Use this only if you're stuck or have been denied twice.

How Ohio Cannabis Dispensaries Can Prevent Google Business Profile Issues

Prevention is your best defense. Here’s how to optimize your listing and avoid suspension:

NAP Consistency

Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) must be exactly the same:

• On your website

• On cannabis directories (Weedmaps, Leafly)

• On your state license and lease

• In your GBP listing

Upload Real Photos

Google wants visual proof that your dispensary exists. Include:

• Storefront with visible signage

• Clear images of your entrance and posted hours

• Interior retail space

• License on display (optional but helpful)

Strengthen Your Website

Your site should match your GBP info. Make sure it includes:

• Contact page with matching address and phone number

• A dedicated Terms & Conditions or Legal Compliance page

• Clear business description and license status

Avoid Risk Triggers

• Don’t use P.O. boxes or shared addresses.

• Never keyword-stuff your business name (e.g. “Columbus Dispensary Weed Near Me”).

• Keep hours, service areas, and categories accurate.

• Don't make constant changes to your profile.

Stay Active

Reply to reviews, post updates, and answer customer questions. An active profile appears more trustworthy to both customers and Google.

Too Busy to Handle Google Issues? Let Us Help

If you're like most dispensary operators in Ohio, you don’t have time to deal with Google’s bureaucracy. You’ve got customers to serve, inventory to manage, and regulations to follow.

That’s where we come in.

Local Leaf Marketing helps Ohio cannabis retailers:

• Keep Google Business Profiles verified and up-to-date

• Avoid common suspension triggers

• Boost visibility in local search

• Respond to suspensions and get reinstated faster

Want to protect your visibility and grow your traffic? Book your free cannabis marketing assessment now.

Final Thoughts: Stay Visible, Stay Verified

With advertising restrictions in Ohio, your cannabis business can’t afford to lose local visibility. Your Google Business Profile is your most important marketing asset — and losing it for even a few weeks can tank your traffic.

Make sure your dispensary is verified, compliant, and optimized for local SEO. If your listing gets suspended, act fast using the steps above — and if you need help, we’re here to walk you through it.