Starting a Business

Weedmaps is establishing itself as the go-to portal for a new market.

The demand for legal marijuana, which has outstripped many lofty expectations, isn't the only thing small-business owners in the pot gold rush are surprised about.

Medical marijuana is legal in 18 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. But entering the business can be tricky, since it's still a federal crime to grow, sell or possess marijuana.