Cannabis

High Stakes: Court Rules on Workplace Cannabis Protections, Leaving Employees in a Haze

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Philadelphia, PA – As more U.S. states legalize cannabis, employers nationwide face new legal challenges in maintaining drug-free workplaces. This evolving landscape raises critical questions about employment rights and employer obligations. Recent legal decisions indicate that state-provided protections for employees using cannabis might not be as robust as initially thought. This perspective was notably supported by a decision from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Zanetich v. Wal-Mart Stores East, et al. The court’s ruling highlights a significant gap in employee protection under state statutes that lack explicit remedial provisions for … Read more

New York Cannabis Industry Stalls: Judge Halts License Processing Amid Legal Challenges

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Albany, N.Y. — A recent legal decree has put a halt to the processing of business applications for New York’s adult-use cannabis program, further complicating a system already plagued by challenges. This decision stems from a lawsuit that accuses state regulators of flouting statutory mandates in the licensing process. Earlier this year, four companies — Organic Blooms LLC, Niagra Nugget LLC, Blackmark LLC, and Windward Management LLC — initiated legal action against the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). They allege that the office improperly permitted potential cannabis retailers to apply for licenses without … Read more

California Embraces Street Libations and Dining in Cannabis Lounges to Revitalize Downtown Areas

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Sacramento, CA — In a significant shift that melds public allure with private enterprise, California is ushering in a new era for its social and economic landscapes. As of Jan. 1, two legislative measures, aimed at reviving the once bustling downtown corridors now sluggish from the pandemic’s aftermath, will allow for the expansion of alcohol and cannabis sales in designated areas across the state. This development is anticipated to fortify central city foot traffic and bolster local economies still recovering from COVID-19 disruptions. The creation of these “entertainment zones,” brought forth by Senate Bill 969, … Read more

Minnesota Cannabis Licensing Lottery Paused by Judge Amidst Equity Dispute

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ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota judge has put a temporary stop to the state’s cannabis license lottery, originally set for Tuesday, amid ongoing legal challenges. This development delays the planned issuance of permits for cannabis businesses, which were set to begin under a new system purported to foster social equity. Earlier this summer, the state had begun accepting applications from businesses that qualified under its social equity criteria. These businesses were expected to enter a pre-approval stage, giving them a head start before the broader licensing phase rolls out next year. However, the process … Read more