From Nasdaq:

New York marijuana regulators are facing a lawsuit arguing discrimination against white men in the state’s cannabis social equity program. Filed by Valencia AG, the lawsuit challenges the establishment of a diverse and equitable cannabis market, citing priority given to women and minority-owned businesses and a goal to award 50% of licenses to social equity entrepreneurs. The lawsuit alleges that state regulators have created a social and economic equity program with criteria that conflict with the U.S. Constitution. It also attacks the racial makeup of the Office of Cannabis Management and the Cannabis Control Board, claiming that appointments to key positions were based on race or gender. The plaintiff is asking for punitive damages and a court order to dismiss all social equity licenses for minority and women-owned businesses, as well as other demands. Cannabis lawyer Fatima Afia criticized the lawsuit’s “absurd claims” in a LinkedIn post, calling it “beyond offensive to anyone who understands the harms caused to communities of color by the War on Drugs and who seeks an equitable industry.” The lawsuit has stirred controversy and drawn attention to the complexities of creating an inclusive and equitable cannabis industry.



Read more: Lawsuit Alleges Bias In New York Cannabis Equity Program, Lawyer Slams ‘Absurd And Offensive’ Claims