Sewer Dispute Intensifies Between Oregon Cannabis Dispensary And Local Sushi Restaurant

There is a sewer dispute going on in Portland, Oregon.

Owner of the beleaguered La Mota cannabis dispensary chain, Aaron Mitchell, whose battle with the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and questionable connection with former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan made headlines this past spring now finds himself in another bitter legal battle, reports Willamette Week (WW).

What Happened

Mitchell alleged that restaurant owner Ami Sushi improperly tapped into his sewer line, causing his cannabis dispensary to emit an odor and leading to a reported loss of $200,000 in profits.

Park and partners Kwang Cheol Park, and Young Ho Park claimed that it was Mitchell who unfairly disconnected them, causing their month-long restaurant to shut down.

"In their response to Mitchell’s lawsuit, the Parks asserted they had easement rights to the sewer line and had used it for more than a decade without trouble," notes the latest in the fiery dispute.

Related Content: Congresswoman Entangled In Oregon's Ongoing Cannabis Scandal, Is 'Portlandia' Becoming 'House of Cards'?

Yet, on August 4th, the tables turned as the Parks filed a lawsuit against Mitchell, alleging both financial harm and emotional distress.

They asserted Mitchell "knew and intended to inflict severe mental and emotional distress" and targeted their "immigrant-owned, family business."

The Parks, running Ami Sushi for 17 years, also submitted "repeated rude, profanity-laced messages" from Mitchell as evidence.

This contentious battle is happening amid Mitchell's already existing issues stemming from ties with former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and the OLCC. Fagan's relationship with Mitchell and La Mota CEO Rosa Cazares, who run 30 dispensaries statewide, led to her resignation and spurred multiple investigations.

Related Content: Ex-Cannabis Commissioner: Oregon Gov. Fired Me Because Of Her Ties To Controversial Weed Company, See You In Court

As the November trial looms, the Parks seek $290,000 in damages. Both parties have refrained from commenting.

If you are interested to know more about the cannabis-related landscape not just in Oregon but also in other states consider joining us at the 17th edition of the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, which is returning to Chicago on Sept 27-28. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Photo: Courtesy Of Sasun Bughdaryan On Unsplash