Thanks to Ben Fisher at Steady Demand, we now know that Google is placing warnings on Google Business Profiles in the United States. The warning was posted on a Steady Demand’s client’s cannabis store in Roslindale, MA. Thanks to Ben’s crappy photoshop blurring skills, we know the business is City Farm Roslindale Weed Dispensary at 721 American Legion Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131.
I would like to know how long the review block will remain on the Google Business Profile (GBP) and what impact it will have on the rankings. It has been reported that review recency is a ranking factor. I have seen cases where the absence of reviews can tank rankings and online performance.
While it’s nice to see this warning, I have a few issues with it.
1. You don’t see the warning when you click on the profile from the map pack on desktop.
- When you search for a business to trigger the Knowledge Panel (KP), you must scroll down to the reviews to see the warning. It should be placed between the auto-generated description and the website’s directions, reviews, and save boxes.
Update: July 28, 2025
Google removed the consumer alert and the business is now able to recieved new reviews. A new review was posted yesterday. Talk about a slight slap on the wrist.
