March 11th, 2019
A major class-action lawsuit in California drew attention after Calaveras County banned cannabis cultivation despite previously collecting millions of dollars in taxes and fees from local growers. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of hundreds of cannabis cultivators, sought the return of approximately $16 million paid to the county before the ban was enacted.
Our very own Henry Wykowski, representing the affected growers, was featured in MJBizDaily discussing the case after a judge rejected the county's objections and allowed the lawsuit to move forward. Although the county had already agreed to refund nearly $1 million in fees, Henry emphasized that the dispute was far from resolved and that his clients were prepared to pursue litigation if a settlement could not be reached.
The Calaveras County dispute highlights the significant legal and financial consequences of changing cannabis regulations, particularly when local governments reverse course after collecting taxes and fees from businesses. The case underscores the importance of regulatory consistency and the legal protections available to cannabis operators navigating California's evolving legal landscape.
