Maryland employees at Curaleaf dispensaries have filed a lawsuit against the cannabis retailer, alleging it wrongfully required them to share tips with managerial staff—an act they say violates the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and constitutes unjust enrichment. For businesses facing litigation related to wage practices, having strong legal counsel is essential. Our Gaithersburg, MD business litigation lawyer plays a crucial role in evaluating claims, advising on compliance, and managing litigation risks.
The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for Maryland, naming Curaleaf as the defendant and proposing class-action status for affected employees across its Reisterstown, Gaithersburg, Montgomery Village, and Columbia locations.
Budtenders—who handle customer interactions and earn tips—claim they were forced into a tip pool that disproportionately favored leads and managers, despite the law forbidding tip sharing with supervisors, regardless of wage tier. The lawsuit seeks recovery of lost tips plus liquidated damages and legal fees. Curaleaf has denied wrongdoing and vows to contest the allegations in court.
This legal battle spotlights growing concerns about labor practices in the cannabis industry—especially around tip distribution—and serves as a reminder that even rapidly expanding sectors must comply with longstanding wage laws. The case underscores how businesses must remain vigilant to avoid violations that can lead to costly litigation, public scrutiny, and employee distrust.
We’re Here To Help With Your Business Matters
At Eric Siegel Law, we help companies identify vulnerabilities in labor and tip-pooling policies before they escalate—or guide those accused through resolution if disputes arise. Our clients benefit from our in-depth experience as business lawyers when dealing with challenging regulatory frameworks such as these. In industries such as cannabis, where laws evolve rapidly, companies must continually reassess their internal practices—from payroll and tip distribution to manager roles and compensation models—so as to remain inside the law.
When tip-related disputes arise, our business compliance lawyers can conduct audits, update internal protocols, and train staff to prevent violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Our corporate lawyers also defend companies in litigation—whether they’re facing class-action tip claims, like Curaleaf, or needing to settle disputes efficiently. Regardless of your specific situation, our team—with over 30 years of combined experience—is ready to help you. And with our live 24/7 call answering service, you can contact us any time of day or night to speak with one of our trusted advisors.
If you’re a business owner or company executive concerned about labor law exposure or facing active litigation, contact Eric Siegel Law, and we’ll assign one of our dedicated Gaithersburg business litigation attorneys to assess your situation, guide you toward compliance, or represent you if litigation starts. If your business is under scrutiny or you want to proactively protect your operations—and stay ahead of legal developments—our trusted Gaithersburg business litigation lawyers will help safeguard your company’s future.