Chicago weed giant Cresco Labs claims in suit that competitor GTI poached a top-level employee

Cresco cannabis products at Floramedex medical marijuana dispensary in Elmwood Park. Cresco, based in River North, has filed suit against competitor Green Thumb Industries accusing GTI of poaching a high-level researcher. (Sun-Times file)

Cresco Labs and Green Thumb Industries have been fierce rivals since Illinois issued its first licenses to grow and sell medical marijuana in 2014.

Now, as the two River North-based firms battle for market share in states across the country, Cresco has filed a lawsuit accusing GTI of poaching a high-level employee who allegedly violated a non-compete clause in his contract when he switched sides this year.