MPX NJ, which received one of only 12 vertical MMJ licenses in the state, sued iAnthus last week, claiming iAnthus has tried to take control of its operations, including construction work at a cultivation facility without authorization, after investing $10 million in the business, NJ.com reported.
MPX Bioceutical and iAnthus agreed to merge in late 2018 and entered into an agreement that would transfer ownership from MPX NJ to iAnthus over time.
But that agreement reportedly has yet to be approved by the state Department of Health.
Judge Joseph Quinn of the Monmouth County Superior Court issued an initial order that blocks iAnthus from representing itself as MPX NJ and undertaking additional unauthorized construction, according to NJ.com.
The company also must inform MPX founder Beth Stavola of all construction at the site, the news outlet reported.