Spurned Pot Retailer Sues Salem

SALEM, MA -- A business that wanted to sell recreational marijuana in Salem sued the city Friday, one day after officials announced agreements with two other recreational marijuana sellers. Mederi named the city and Mayor Kim Driscoll in the lawsuit it filed in Salem Superior Court. The lawsuit claims the state Cannabis Control Commission -- not municipalities -- have the authority on which businesses get licenses.

Following Thursday's agreements wit Witch City Gardens on Jefferson Avenue and Atlantic Medicinal on Highland Avenue, the city has one remaining license to grant. Alternative Therapies Group opened for business earlier this month and Seagrass finalized its host community agreement on Dec. 6.

The host community agreement is required for the final state-issued license. I.N.S.A. and NS Alternatives are vying for the last license in Salem. Both companies have plans to open on Highland Avenue.

While Mederi received zoning approval, the city notified the company earlier this month it would not be invited to negotiate a host community grant with the city. The lawsuit seeks to place a injunction on the city that would bar it from issuing the final license. Superior Court Judge Timothy Feeley set a hearing date for Jan. 11.

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Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).