THREE RIVERS, Mich. (AP) — A judge approved a deal Friday to try to solve a major buzzkill: Employees at a Michigan marijuana dispensary chain said management was keeping tips left by happy customers.

Timber Cannabis, which has seven locations, agreed to pay $205,000 to settle a lawsuit, though it admitted no liability in making the deal. Lawyers are entitled to one-third.

Terms of the agreement seem “fair and appropriate,” U.S. District Judge Matthew Leitman said during a brief hearing.

The lead plaintiff, budtender Chad Underwood, said he was making as much as $150 per shift in tips before management changed course in 2024 and began taking money left in a basket or jar, according to the lawsuit.

Timber Cannabis denied violating federal wage law in its formal response to the lawsuit.

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