Marijuana Retail Report

Leanne Mata made history two years ago when she became the first black woman to open a legal cannabis dispensary in Brooklyn.

She started her business with the support of Housing Works, a non-profit organization that helps people living with AIDS. It seemed like a perfect match — a few years ago, Ms. Matta’s three brothers were arrested for minor marijuana offenses under the state’s since-amended laws, and Housing Works expanded its mission to help those affected by the so-called war on drugs.

But the partnership quickly soured.

Ms Mata and Housing Works have now entered the fray. 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.