MJ’s Market: The Fight for Fairness in the Cannabis Industry
MJ’s Market, a locally-owned cannabis business, is at the forefront of a critical effort to address the unchecked power of corporate giants and the impact of questionable local government decisions. Caught in two significant legal battles—one in the U.S. District Court and another in Massachusetts Superior Court—the company is working to expose practices that have obstructed its operations and jeopardized fair competition in the cannabis industry.
These cases highlight how anti-competitive tactics and favoritism can undermine small businesses, disrupt local economies, and limit consumer choice. MJ’s Market aims to bring these issues to light and advocate for meaningful change, focusing on the need for transparency, accountability, and integrity within the cannabis sector.
Through this effort, MJ’s Market seeks to resolve its challenges and spark a broader conversation about fairness in the industry, urging both regulators and stakeholders to prioritize equitable practices for all participants.
MJ’s Market: The Fight for Justice!
Federal Case: Challenging Corporate Monopolization
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
Case No.: 4:2023cv40037
Key Allegations:
• Anti-Competitive Practices:
Defendants allegedly filed baseless zoning appeals and legal objections to delay MJ’s Market’s progress, despite the company’s compliance with all zoning laws.
• Merger Agreement Motivation:
A merger agreement between Nature’s Remedy and Jushi Holdings allegedly included a $15 million payout contingent on MJ’s Market not opening within a specified distance. MJ’s Market argues that this financial incentive drove the defendants’ obstruction tactics.
Impact:
• Lost Revenue: MJ’s Market claims over $50 million in lost revenue due to delayed operations.
• Legal and Operational Costs: The company also cites significant expenses related to defending against alleged obstruction efforts.
Legal Focus:
• The case hinges on proving the defendants engaged in “sham litigation” under antitrust laws, violating federal regulations designed to ensure fair competition.
State Case: Fighting Local Government & Competitors
Massachusetts Superior Court
Case No.: 2384CV02794
Key Issues:
• Breach of Contract:
The Town of Tyngsborough refused to extend a Host Community Agreement (HCA) despite MJ’s Market securing all necessary permits and defending zoning appeals at the Town’s request.
• Unfair Treatment:
The Town allegedly prioritized “big money players” like Sanctuary Medicinals and Yellow House Cannabis over MJ’s Market, granting a new HCA to competitors using MJ’s design plans.
• Unjust Enrichment:
The Town allegedly benefited from MJ’s efforts to defend its zoning appeal but ultimately denied the company the opportunity to operate.
Court Rulings: The court allowed key claims to proceed, including
Declaratory Judgment: Confirming MJ’s Market’s rights under the HCA.
Breach of Contract and Good Faith: Recognizing potential misconduct by the Town.
Unjust Enrichment: Finding grounds for the Town’s alleged unfair gain from MJ’s Market’s efforts.
Jushi & MJ's Market History
The legal battle between MJ's Market, Inc. and Jushi MA, Inc.(Natures Remedy), along with Valiant Enterprises, LLC, began on November 9, 2021, when Jushi and Valiant filed a civil complaint in what MJ's Market contends was a calculated delay tactic to maintain their monopoly in the cannabis market.
Throughout the case, Jushi repeatedly engaged in legal maneuvers, filing motions and raising procedural objections designed to stall MJ's Market’s entry into the industry.
Despite facing significant legal hurdles, MJ's Market secured important victories, including court approval for expedited discovery.
However, motions critical to holding Jushi accountable, such as compelling a cash bond and deposing expert witnesses, were denied, extending the litigation process and driving up costs for MJ's Market.
On November 30, 2023, the case was dismissed.
However, the drawn-out legal proceedings orchestrated by Jushi over the two years had effectively served Jushi’s purpose.
Competition was eliminated and Jushi, at MJ’s Market's expense, maintained its monopoly in the cannabis market – a monopoly that exists to this day.
A History of Betrayal:
MJ’s Market’s Fight Against the Odds
MJ’s Market’s legal struggles trace back to its initial efforts to establish a locally owned cannabis dispensary in Tyngsborough, MA.
Originally selected as the best candidate by the Town’s subcommittee, MJ’s Market was unexpectedly passed over by the Board of Selectmen in favor of larger operators.
Despite this setback, MJ’s Market persevered, eventually winning the necessary permits after a prolonged fight involving the Town, the landowner, and zoning appeals.
However, the struggle didn’t end there. After defending its permits against a barrage of legal challenges from competitors like Nature’s Remedy, MJ’s Market found itself abandoned by the very parties it had fought alongside.
Over the course of our legal battle against Jushi, The Town of Tyngsborough and the landowner seemingly aligned with Sanctuary Medicinal, & created Yellow House Cannabis.
The town then granted a Host Community Agreement to Yellow House Cannabis, where MJ’s Market’s original site design was used and is standing today.
This series of betrayals underscores a troubling trend in the cannabis industry—favoring corporate giants over local businesses.
Despite being shut out of the market, MJ’s Market continues its legal battle, determined to hold these powerful entities accountable and fight for fairness in an increasingly monopolized industry.
The Broader Fight Systemic Issues
These cases reveal how corporations and municipalities can exploit resources and regulations to stifle small businesses. They underscore the importance of holding these entities accountable for anti-competitive and unfair practices. MJ’s Market’s Stand: Despite being forced to close its doors, MJ’s Market is committed to seeking justice. The lawsuits aim not only to recover damages but also to set a precedent for fairness in the emerging cannabis industry.
MJ's Market - A Cannabis Experience!
At MJ's Market, our vision is simple: "Achieving your higher purpose." Founded as a family-run cannabis business, we aimed to serve our community with fairness, quality, and an educational approach that empowered consumers to make informed choices in their buying experience. While our doors may have closed due to challenges in the industry, our dedication to justice and transparency remains steadfast as we continue to fight for fairness in cannabis. Check out some of our photos and reviews in google. We were and will be again, the best dispensary in America. A true Cannabis experience!
