For perhaps the first time, a Colorado judge has ruled that a municipality erred in not granting a recreational marijuana business license to an entrepreneur.
According to Colorado Public Radio, Denver medical cannabis dispensary the Pig ‘N Whistle was granted a business permit to start selling adult-use marijuana only after a Denver district court judge sided with the owner, who had sued the city after being denied a recreational license.
The ruling could prove important for at least a half dozen other rec license applicants awaiting final approval from the city, CPR reported.
Initially, residents living near the the Pig ‘N Whistle had objected to the granting of a rec license. City officials denied the permit. The dispensary owner took the issue to court and eventually succeeded when a district court judge ruled the owner had fulfilled the legal requirements.
According to the Pig ‘N Whistle’s attorney, the city then said the Pig ‘N Whistle would be subject to a tougher approval process.
But last Thursday Judge Catherine Lemon sided with the Pig ‘N Whistle, ruling that Denver unfairly added subsequent legal obstacles.
The decision hasn’t been a huge consolation for the owner, who said he should have received his permit last year, and thus lost out on months – and millions of dollars – in sales.
