Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission escaped a lawsuit brought by a prospective marijuana business owner claiming that the state’s social equity licensing program is unconstitutional.
The Cannabis Act gives special treatment to licensing applicants disproportionately impacted by criminal enforcement of marijuana laws.
“The plaintiff’s claims are not ripe for judicial review,” District Judge Melissa DuBose wrote in an order for the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island. “The Cannabis Control Commission has yet to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to retail cannabis business licenses. This Court cannot and will not speculate as to when the proposed rules …