Anti-Cannabis Group Launches New Legal Battle Against New York’s Cannabis Industry

In a renewed effort to undermine New York’s burgeoning cannabis industry, the Cannabis Impact Prevention Coalition and the Cannabis Industry Victims Seeking Justice have taken their fight to the State Supreme Court in Albany County. Their latest lawsuit targets key state agencies, including the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), Dormitory Authority, and the Department of Taxation and Finance, alleging that these entities are unlawfully using state funds to support cannabis-related programs under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA).

Challenging the Use of State Funds

The plaintiffs, who claim to represent both victims of cannabis and concerned taxpayers, argue that funding cannabis initiatives with state money contradicts both state and federal laws. Central to their argument is the NYS Cannabis Revenue Fund, which handles taxes and fees collected from the cannabis industry. They assert that the state and its associated agencies are violating the Controlled Substances Act and, by extension, New York State law through their handling of these funds.

Seeking Legal Redress

The plaintiffs are seeking both temporary and permanent injunctions to prevent state authorities from further using funds to support the cannabis industry. They also demand a declaratory judgment that MRTA infringes on both state and federal laws. This is part of an ongoing series of legal challenges from these groups, who have previously contested the legality of the State’s Social Equity Fund and the MRTA itself.

Background on the Coalition

According to its website, the Cannabis Impact Prevention Coalition is a grassroots organization composed of concerned citizens, including parents, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement. Their mission focuses on mitigating the perceived social, health, public safety, and environmental impacts of cannabis.

The ongoing legal battles underscore the contentious nature of cannabis legalization in New York, reflecting broader debates about the impact and regulation of the industry.