Judge Dismisses Verano Alabama’s Suit over Medical Marijuana Licensing

A lawsuit filed by Verano Alabama against the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) was dismissed Wednesday by Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge James Anderson. Verano contended the AMCC lacked the authority to revoke medical marijuana licenses it had initially awarded.

In June, the AMCC selected 21 companies for licenses but delayed issuance due to scoring errors. While Verano was among the June selections, it missed out in the AMCC’s August re-awarding process.

Although Verano claimed they’d been granted a license and paid a $50,000 fee, Anderson and AMCC attorney Mike Jackson emphasized the distinction between licenses being “awarded” and actually issued, reports Alabama Today.

The dismissal potentially strengthens the position of another firm, Alabama Always, which argues the AMCC’s entire evaluation system is inherently flawed and needs a complete overhaul.

Anderson’s ruling supports the AMCC’s authority to both award and rectify license decisions. He asserted that without rescinding power, the AMCC would have no grounds to delay license issuances.