A marijuana retailer in Massachusetts has filed a suit against the state over licensing delays and alleges that the unnecessary delays on one of its business licenses had cost it $1.2 million.
Northeast Alternatives has a medical and recreational marijuana storefront operating in Fall River, along with a grow and manufacturing facility.
According to the Boston Business Journal, Northeast Alternatives filed suit against Massachusetts cannabis regulators in Suffolk Superior Court on Sept. 14th.
The lawsuit is asking a judge to force the state’s Cannabis Control Commission to act on its license application, which has been awaiting approval or denial since February.
According to the suit, Northeast Alternatives’ application was finalized Feb. 20, when the town of Lakeville notified the commission that the company had completed all local requirements. The commission then, under state law, had 90 days to act on the application.
The Lakeville outlet would be the company’s second storefront once it’s licensed.
In the interim, the lawsuit alleges that the company has continued to pay $200,000 a month in rent, meaning the eight-month wait has cost the company an extra $1.2 million while the commission has yet to make a decision about the license application.
