Hundreds Of New York Weed Licenses Unblocked As Fed Judge Rejects Out-Of-State Applicants’ Discrimination Claims
Federal Judge Anne M. Nardacci rejected a legal challenge on Friday to New York state’s marijuana licensing program brought in December by two California applicants who argued that the program unconstitutionally discriminates against out-of-state residents.
Two companies, Variscite New York Four LLC and Variscite New York Five LLC, filed the lawsuit against New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) arguing that the cannabis licensing program unfairly favors state residents, in violation of the Dormant Commerce Clause. Judge Nardacci said that allowing licensed businesses to operate is in the public interest and outweighs concerns raised in the lawsuit, reported Breitbart.
The ruling could result in the issuance of hundreds of licenses in New York.
Nardacci said the Dormant Commerce Clause does not apply to the federally illegal cannabis trade and should stop states from creating measures to limit interstate commerce in the absence of rules from Congress.
The judge’s decision came …