“They Should Be Embarrassed:” Lawsuits Challenge Illinois’ Licensing Process

Cannabis regulators in Illinois face a flood of criticism and litigation from applicants who feel they were unjustly blocked from receiving one of the state’s lucrative retail dispensary licenses.

Dozens of plaintiffs are involved in a federal suit against the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, while at least two other groups have submitted similar suits. 

The court filings came on the heels of the state’s announcement, this month, that just 21 businesses are finalists in the statewide lottery for 75 licenses. More than 900 applications were filed for the licenses.