Medical Pot Operators Sue Over State Licensing Priority

SEATTLE (AP) — Medical marijuana dispensary owners are suing the state over a system that could be leaving long-standing operators outside the recreational pot industry.

The Seattle Times reports a lawsuit filed Friday against the Liquor and Cannabis Board says longtime operators that pay taxes and follow rules have not been made the priority for recreational marijuana licensing.

The Legislature set that priority last year, granted the board the authority to license recreational facilities and mandated the closure of medical marijuana operations by July.

A board spokesman says the agency does not comment on lawsuits.

The lawsuit seeks an order for the board to fix the issue.

Choice Wellness in Seattle is involved in a similar lawsuit filed Thursday.