Licensing

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

Lipscomb City Assets Frozen Amid Allegations of Licensing Illegal Gambling Facility

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LIPSCOMB, Ala. — The small Alabama community of Lipscomb is currently under scrutiny as state officials demanded complete access to its financial records. The urgency stems from allegations involving the city’s involvement in licensing what is claimed to be an illegal gambling operation. On November 20, a court issued a temporary restraining order that halted financial transactions for both the city of Lipscomb and Jay’s Charity Bingo, along with its owners. Authorities assert that the city improperly licensed Jay’s Charity Bingo to conduct gambling activities that were against state law and continued to profit from … Read more

Maine Supreme Court Revives Cannabis Store’s Challenge Over Kittery’s Licensing Lottery

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Kittery, Maine — A recent decision by Maine’s highest court has revived a legal battle over the licensing procedure for recreational cannabis stores in Kittery, setting the stage for further scrutiny of local governmental policies affecting the burgeoning industry. The state’s Supreme Judicial Court overruled a lower court’s decision this Thursday, allowing a lawsuit filed by High Maine LLC to challenge the town’s licensing process. In October 2023, High Maine LLC initiated a lawsuit against the town of Kittery, arguing that the town’s lottery system used to allocate licenses for cannabis stores is defective. The … Read more

New York Cannabis Farmers Sue State Agency, Claiming Bias and Financial Hardship in Licensing Rollout

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ALBANY, N.Y. — In New York, a coalition of small cannabis farmers has initiated a lawsuit against the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), claiming that the agency’s approach to rolling out recreational cannabis is compromising their livelihoods. The lawsuit, which was lodged in Onondaga County Supreme Court this Monday, underscores a crisis in the nascent industry where promises of fairness seem unfulfilled. The group, identified as the Cannabis Farmers Alliance, argues that OCM has failed to adhere to legislative guidelines meant to create an equitable playing field, thereby placing small-scale owners at a disadvantage. … Read more