After two organizations filed a lawsuit against Arizona’s social equity cannabis license program, the Arizona Republic quoted Gary Smith about the impact of the lawsuit that alleges big dispensaries are edging out intended recipients of the 26 available licenses.
Referencing an email Gary sent to members of the Arizona Cannabis Bar Association (ACBA), the article mentioned the lawsuit will delay the licenses. Gary, founder and current president of ACBA, also mentioned the value of the licenses, which are estimated to be worth a quarter billion dollars.
A leading cannabis attorney in Arizona, Gary repeatedly voiced concerns about the early drafts of the social equity rules released by the Arizona Department of Health Services. He frequently shares insights for industry publications and organizations as well as Arizona media.