They Helped Her Open a Weed Shop And Now They’re Suing For $2.5 Million
Leeann Mata started the business with the support of Housing Works
Leeann Mata made history two years ago when she became the first Black woman to open a legal cannabis dispensary in Brooklyn.
She started the business with the support of Housing Works, a nonprofit that assists people living with AIDS. It seemed to be a perfect match — years ago, three of Ms. Mata’s brothers were detained on low-level marijuana offenses under state laws that have since been amended, and Housing Works had expanded its mission to helping those negatively affected by the so-called war on drugs.
But the partnership quickly soured.
Ms. Mata and Housing Works are now locked in a battle. The nonprofit sued Ms. Mata for $2.5 million in unpaid fees, and Ms. Mata filed a complaint with state regulators accusing Housing Works of taking advantage of her.
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