Ex-McHenry County Leaders Sue Marijuana Firms, Allege Consumers Were Not Warned of Health Risks

Former McHenry County State’s Attorney Pat Kenneally and former McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks have joined forces in a federal lawsuit accusing several cannabis companies of failing to adequately disclose the potential mental health risks associated with marijuana use.

The 320-page lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that cannabis companies have marketed marijuana products as treatments for a wide range of medical and psychological conditions despite what plaintiffs describe as a lack of credible scientific evidence supporting those claims.

Named in the lawsuit are major cannabis companies including Cresco Labs, Green Thumb Industries, and Verano Holdings. The complaint reportedly includes approximately 40 plaintiffs.

According to the lawsuit, cannabis companies promoted marijuana products as potential remedies for conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, grief, opioid addiction, and other physical and mental health disorders. Plaintiffs argue that the industry presented cannabis as medically beneficial while allegedly downplaying possible health consequences tied to high concentrations of THC.

The lawsuit further claims that cannabis products referenced in the complaint have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as treatments for any medical or psychiatric condition. It also cites a 2025 review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which allegedly found limited or insufficient evidence supporting cannabis as an effective treatment for many commonly advertised uses.

In addition, the suit references the position of the American Psychiatric Association, which states there is insufficient evidence to support cannabis as an effective treatment for psychiatric disorders.

In response, Verano spokesperson Steve Mazeika defended the medical cannabis industry, stating that state governments have long acknowledged the therapeutic benefits of marijuana through established medical cannabis programs and regulatory systems.

The lawsuit does not specify a monetary amount being sought, though plaintiffs are requesting statutory, punitive, and other damages permitted under the law. A court date has not yet been announced.