CHICAGO (AP) — A new lawsuit has been filed involving medical marijuana, this one claiming a Denver businessman and unsuccessful city council candidate schemed to monopolize the new industry in Illinois.
Medponics Illinois filed the lawsuit Monday in Lake County. It claims Kayvan Khalatbari (KAY’-vohn Kahl-aht-BAR’-ee) and his Denver companies have controlling interests in more than three Illinois cultivation centers.
If true, that would violate Illinois rules.
Attorney Kathleen McDonough represents Waukegan-based Medponics. She says Khalatbari is highly involved in two Illinois companies. Those companies now hold four cultivation permits and are in the running for a fifth.
Messages seeking comment on the lawsuit from Khalatbari and Denver Relief Consulting have not been immediately returned.
Medponics wanted to grow marijuana in the Lake County city of Zion, but failed to win the permit.