Medical Marijuana Company Battles State's Cannabis Commission
BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ)-- A Maryland company is taking legal action against the state's cannabis commission, claiming they were robbed of their right to become one of the state's first licensed medical marijuana companies.
GTI Maryland is accusing the commission of illegally taking them off the list of 15 companies that had initially been approved for growing licenses. Now they're demanding answers.
WJZ reached out to the cannabis commission and they told WJZ they can't comment on pending litigation.
The lawsuit filed in Baltimore City circuit court demands GTI's place in the top 15 to be restored immediately. The company is now fighting to fix what they're calling an injustice to patients.
"When it comes to helping those who suffer and our in need, there is only one thing to do: the right thing. That was not done here," said Sterling Crockett of GTI Maryland.
The claims from GTI Maryland leaders come as the company prepares for a legal battle against the state's cannabis commission.
The lawsuit was filed after GTI and another company went from the top of a list of companies on track to be awarded the state's first growing licenses, to out of the running completely.
Traded out for companies in Prince George's County and the Eastern Shore for what the commission calls "geographical diversity."
The lawsuit calls the process illogical, opaque, and fatally flawed.
"You don't change the rules after the game has been played, yet that is what's happening here," said former Baltimore Ravens player and investor Eugene Monroe.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of controversial discussions since the state legalized medical marijuana in 2013. Most recently claims of a lack of diversity out of the 15 growers and 15 processors pre-approved for licenses this year.
Members of the Black Caucus are calling on the governor to step in.
"The push is to get this resolved before the session starts," said a member of the Black Caucus.
The company tells WJZ they're demanding answers to find out what led members of the commission to change their minds.
"The real victims here, first and foremost are the patients of Maryland," said Pete Kadens of GTI Maryland.
Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook