Greenspoon Marder Partner David Standa Key in Successful Lawsuit Halting Minnesota Cannabis License Lottery

Nov 25, 2024

Chicago – November 25, 2024 – Greenspoon Marder partner David Standa played a key role in the successful filing of a lawsuit that halted the Minnesota cannabis license lottery. On Monday, Ramsey County District Court Judge Stephen Smith sided with a group of applicants who had been denied access to the state’s social equity pre-approval lottery, ruling that the process lacked clear criteria and left no room for appeals. This ruling marks a significant development in Minnesota’s cannabis industry as the state prepares to launch its adult-use cannabis market in 2025.

The lawsuit challenged the fairness and transparency of the lottery process, arguing that applicants were unfairly denied participation in a process intended to give them a head start in the cannabis industry. Judge Smith’s ruling means the lottery, which was scheduled to narrow over 1,500 applicants down to just 282, will not proceed as planned.

“I am pleased that the court has agreed with our position and halted the lottery. The applicants in this case were simply asking for a fair process—one that provides clear standards and an opportunity to appeal when access to the lottery is denied. Social equity applicants, including those harmed by the War on Drugs, deserve a transparent, just process in securing a foothold in Minnesota’s emerging cannabis industry,” said Mr. Standa.

Greenspoon Marder’s Cannabis Law team remains committed to supporting businesses in navigating complex regulatory environments. If you feel your cannabis application has been wrongfully denied, our team is here to guide you through the appellate process and help ensure that your business is treated fairly.

About Greenspoon Marder

Greenspoon Marder LLP is a full-service law firm with over 225 attorneys and more than 20 office locations across the United States. With operations from Miami to New York and from Denver to Los Angeles, our firm attracts some of the nation’s top talent in key markets and innovation hubs. Our core practice areas include Real Estate, Litigation, and Transactional Services, complemented by the capabilities of a full-service firm. Greenspoon Marder has maintained a spot on The American Lawyer’s Am Law 200 as one of the top law firms in the U.S. since 2015, and our goal is to provide exceptional client service by developing a thorough understanding of each client’s business needs and objectives in order to provide strategic, cost-effective solutions.

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This Greenspoon Marder LLP Client Alert is issued for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as general legal advice nor a solicitation of any type. Please contact the author(s) or your Greenspoon Marder LLP contact if you have any questions regarding the currency of this information. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision. Before you decide, ask for written information about the lawyer’s legal qualifications and experience.

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Greenspoon Marder Partner David Standa Key in Successful Lawsuit Halting Minnesota Cannabis License Lottery

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