America’s Legal Pot Economy Is Forced Underground

October 31, 2016 | Polly Mosendz and Suzanne Woolley

Punctuated by sharp intakes of breath, Max Simon repeated himself softly, trying to mask a deep frustration. “We … are … a … media … company. We produce media.”

Like many startup founders, the 34-year-old has a spiel right down to the enunciation and cadence. He gave his speech nine times, to nine different bankers. Eight rejected him. But it wasn’t venture capital he was seeking. It was a checking account.

America’s Legal Pot Economy Is Forced Underground