Green Thumb Industries (GTI), a Florida medical marijuana company operating under the RISE dispensary brand, is continuing its legal battle to sell cannabis alongside convenience stores. On Thursday, the company filed a notice to appeal a ruling by Administrative Law Judge Joshua Pratt, who upheld the Florida Department of Health’s rejection of GTI’s proposed dispensaries near Circle K locations.
GTI announced plans in October 2022 to open 10 dispensaries adjacent to Circle K convenience stores across Florida as part of a “test and learn phase.” The project aimed to integrate medical marijuana sales with the convenience and accessibility of well-known retail locations, drawing significant national attention.
READ: Recreational Marijuana Amendment Revamped: Smart & Safe Florida Pushes New Proposal
However, Christopher Kimball, director of Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use, denied GTI’s requests for dispensaries in St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Ocala, citing non-compliance with state law. GTI argued that other medical marijuana dispensaries near gas stations or convenience stores had received approvals, and it accused Kimball of applying “unadopted rules” inconsistently.
Judge Pratt ruled in favor of Kimball earlier this month, stating that the director’s decisions were made on a “case-by-case basis” and complied with state law. The ruling was a significant blow to GTI’s plans.
In its notice of appeal filed Thursday, GTI indicated it would challenge Judge Pratt’s ruling. While the notice did not include detailed arguments, it signals the company’s intent to continue pursuing its vision for co-located dispensaries.
READ: Florida Court Ruling: Drug-Sniffing Dogs Can’t Justify Searches Based On Marijuana Scent Alone
GTI’s attorneys have previously argued that health officials’ concerns about crime risks associated with dispensaries near convenience stores are unfounded. The company’s pending case with the Division of Administrative Hearings also challenges the denial of a proposed Ocala dispensary located in a separate building near a Circle K.
The potential partnership between GTI and Circle K has drawn national attention as a possible model for integrating cannabis sales into everyday retail settings. Advocates argue that co-located dispensaries could increase accessibility for patients, while opponents raise concerns about regulatory compliance and public safety.
The Florida Department of Health’s handling of the case highlights the complexity of regulating the state’s growing medical marijuana industry. With Florida poised to expand its cannabis market, the outcome of GTI’s appeal could set a precedent for how dispensaries can operate in proximity to other retail establishments.
The 1st District Court of Appeal will now review the case, though a timeline for the proceedings has not yet been announced. In the meantime, GTI’s Ocala dispensary proposal remains under review in a separate administrative hearing.
The case underscores the evolving landscape of Florida’s medical marijuana regulations and the ongoing push by companies like GTI to innovate in the competitive cannabis market.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.