This covers apps whose primary purpose is to encourage recreational drug use or make consumption of illegal substances, alcohol, or tobacco seem appealing or harmless — informational or harm-reduction content is treated differently than promotional content.
Why apps actually get flagged
Cannabis- or party-culture apps that read as promoting use, rather than informing about legal status or safety, are the most common trigger.
A real example
"Your app encourages consumption of illegal substances in a way that could appeal to minors, which is not permitted per guideline 1.4.3."
The short version, in more detail
Guideline 1.4.3 covers apps that encourage the use of illegal drugs or make the consumption of drugs, alcohol or tobacco look appealing or harmless. Informational, legal-status and harm-reduction content is treated differently from content whose purpose is promotion. Cannabis and party-culture apps most often sit near the line.
What this guideline covers
Encouraging illegal drug use or excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco.
Content that makes substance use seem appealing, safe or casual.
The difference between promotion and neutral information.
Apps relating to the sale or delivery of regulated products, which may fall under other rules.
What usually triggers this rejection
A cannabis or party app that reads as promoting use instead of informing.
Drinking games that encourage excessive consumption.
Marketing that glamorises substance use.
Apps that help users locate or buy illegal substances.
Content aimed at young audiences that features substance use positively.
How reviewers evaluate it
Reviewers consider the app's overall tone and purpose, not isolated mentions.
They separate informational or safety content from promotional content.
They check regional legality for products that are legal in some places and not others.
They look at the audience and rating.
Common misunderstandings
Legal products are not automatically acceptable if the app promotes excessive use.
Harm-reduction information is not treated the same as encouragement.
Local legality does not always carry across every country where the app is available.
Common questions
Can an app list bars or dispensaries?
Informational listings can be acceptable, but promotional framing or sales features may raise other rules.
Is alcohol treated like illegal drugs?
No, but encouraging excessive consumption is still a concern.
Does region matter?
Yes. Legality varies by country, and Apple considers where the app is offered.
Platform rules change often. This page is a plain-language explanation written by AppReviewFix, not official guidance. Check the current App Store Review Guidelines for the exact wording.
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