LAS VEGAS (AP) — A top state marijuana regulator denied in court that the Nevada dispensary licensing process was tainted by meetings and outings he had with representatives of businesses seeking to open retail pot stores.
Tax department deputy chief Jorge Pupo acknowledged Thursday he had lunches and dinners with some dispensary owners and a lawyer representing cannabis companies just weeks before license applications were evaluated last year.
The Las Vegas Sun reportsthat Pupo testified he knew attorney Amanda Connor represented at least three companies seeking additional licenses.
But Pupo said Connor never asked him about changing anything to do with the selection process.
Connor didn't immediately respond Friday to messages.
The judge plans several more days of hearings on lawsuits by dozens of companies that didn't get licenses. Some seek a do-over.