Pot Firms Gain as CVS, Walgreen Competition a Pipe Dream
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Americans seeking medical marijuana for anything from pain to seizures must turn to a patchwork of small startups for help as U.S. laws keep traditional pharmacies out of a market that may exceed $6 billion by 2019.
While more than 21 states have legalized pot for medicinal use, the drug remains illegal under federal law and banks are hesitant to accept money from its sale. That’s keeping drugstore chains CVS Caremark Corp., Walgreen Co. and Rite Aid Corp., out of the market, leaving local entrepreneurs in control.