Massachusetts Cannabis Companies Challenge Federal Drug Law's Constitutionality
Cannabis businesses in Massachusetts have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of federal law that bans marijuana, arguing that it infringes on state powers. The lawsuit claims that the federal Controlled Substances Act undermines state law, harms businesses, and threatens public safety by forcing them to operate on a cash basis. The businesses argue that federal enforcement has hindered their ability to receive loans, pay heavy taxes, and protect their intellectual property. Represented by lawyer David Boies, the lawsuit seeks a declaration that the Controlled Substances Act is unconstitutional when applied to state-legal operations and requests a ban on federal enforcement against state-legal cannabis businesses.