Some would-be cannabis entrepreneurs who have already obtained a license from New Jersey are now having trouble finding affordable retail space. Turns out, the minute you say "marijuana," landlords jack up their asking rent.
Matha Figaro has operated ButACake, her everything-but-THC edibles company, in Jersey City for seven years. Now that cannabis is legal, she plans to seek a Class 2 Manufacturers license with the state. But social equity applicants like Figaro, microbusinesses and those with limited capital must clear some significant hurdles.