A Paterson cannabis entrepreneur, Paul Qassis, fears bankruptcy after the city's zoning officer reversed a previous decision to block his dispensary, Blaze Green, from opening. The city's mayor's office has since intervened, stating that cannabis businesses are permitted and the initial approval was correct. Despite city ordinances allowing cannabis businesses, Paterson has only one dispensary currently in operation. Despite this, Qassis fears that his investment in Blaze Green may result in financial ruin. The owner had spent over $100,000 on the new furnishings, including $60,000 for the city license and $25,000 in rent and fees for over a year. The mayor’s office has intervened to clarify that state law permits the operation of cannabis businesses in Paterson, citing state law and city ordinances.