Disabled Veterans Win Lawsuit, Blocking New York's Marijuana Licensing Program

A judge in New York has issued an injunction blocking the state from issuing new retail marijuana licenses while a lawsuit filed by four disabled veterans plays out. The veterans claim that the state illegally passed over them for retail licenses, despite the goal of granting licenses to communities with high marijuana arrest rates, minority- and women-owned businesses, distressed farmers, and disabled veterans. The ruling exempts applicants who met all the state requirements before August 7, and individual exemptions may be issued to qualifying applicants. License applications will open to the general public in October.