AUDIO: NJ cannabis industry falling short on promises of equity for minority entrepreneurs
The cannabis dispensaries operating now are owned by multi-state corporations, such as Curaleaf, that are heavily invested in the nation’s growing marijuana industry. Mom-and-pop shops barely stand a chance in the current environment, according to accountant Todd Polyniak. He says real estate and start-up capital are the biggest obstacles, and the state needs to help out, especially for social equity applicants.
“It takes money to make money, and a lot of those folks in those categories just don’t have the money to get things going,” Polyniak said.