The first recreational cannabis dispensary to set up shop in the Adirondacks is now facing a lawsuit for mismanaged funds and violations of state policy. The lawsuit was filed in the New York State Supreme Court in Essex County on behalf of Douglas Butdorf, Thomas Gosrich, and Eduardo Suarez, of North Country Roots, Inc.It comes just eight months after Elevate ADK opened the Saranac Lake storefront under a ‘CUARD’ license, obtained through a partnership with North County Roots. Since then, the founders of North Country Roots claim they’ve been excluded from all aspects of the store’s operations. They say farmer Adam Hainer and general manager Eli Emery have refused to provide proper bookkeeping records, including expense receipts, invoices, and evidence of payment to vendors. The store managers are also accused of violating regulations put in place by the state Office of Cannabis Management, like using personal vehicles for delivery services. Such a violation could put North Country Roots at risk of non-renewal for it’s CAURD license, which is up for renewal in January of 2025. General Manager, Eli Emery told the Albany Times Union the filing was “a baseless lawsuit brought by three shareholders that have hurt feelings.”According to the