Arkansas judge rejects bid to quash medical marijuana license lawsuit

Published: Mar 16, 2018, 1:22 pm • Updated: Mar 16, 2018, 1:22 pm

By The Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An Arkansas judge who blocked the state from issuing its first licenses to grow medical marijuana has rejected an effort to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s application process for cultivation facilities.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen on Friday rejected the state’s argument that Naturalis Health, LLC, a company that unsuccessfully applied for a license, didn’t have standing. Griffen also rejected the state’s argument that it is immune from the lawsuit.

Griffen is holding a hearing on whether to issue a preliminary injunction further preventing the state from awarding licenses. He issued a temporary restraining order against the state on Wednesday — shortly before state regulators planned to issue five licenses.

The company is asking that all 95 license applications be submitted to an independent evaluator.

This story is developing and will be updated

Topics: Arkansas, Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission, licensing, licensing fees, medical marijuana license