Cannabis entrepreneur Gabe Perlow has re-entered the Pennsylvania market at a time when it remains challenging due to the state’s stringent regulations on industry operators. Perlow previously established himself in the market as a pioneer in 2017.
New Developments in Pennsylvania’s Cannabis Industry
Meredith Buettner Schneider, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, states that new permits are unlikely to become available until recreational adult use is legalized, which continues to create high barriers for market entry. Additionally, cannabis industry attorney Seth Goldberg highlights that existing permits are not freely transferable, compounding these challenges.
Perlow’s journey began in 2017 when his company, PurePenn LLC, was among the first to receive a grower-processor permit in Pennsylvania, allowing them to operate a facility in McKeesport. After selling PurePenn to multi-state operator Trulieve for $46 million in 2020, Perlow expanded his ventures across Missouri, Ohio, and Illinois. In 2022, he and his partners founded Rooted Management Services, which provides cannabis businesses with essential operational services.
In 2024, Perlow partnered with Tri-Mountain Pure to rejuvenate a grow facility on Pittsburgh’s North Side. He serves as a principal and operator for Tri-Mountain Pure, which recently achieved critical regulatory milestones to start operations.
Market Challenges and Opportunities
With the state’s medical marijuana program featuring 30 operational grower-processors and 185 dispensaries, the market is competitive but offers substantial potential. Perlow’s return to Pennsylvania is attributed to a combination of strategic networking and timing. He identified an underutilized facility on the North Side, which allowed Tri-Mountain Pure to initiate operations without starting from scratch.
The Department of Health approved the grower-processor permit for Tri-Mountain Pure in June 2025, with the dispensary permit following in January 2026. Each dispensary is permitted to have up to three locations.
The Future of Cannabis in Pennsylvania
Plans are underway for a new medical cannabis dispensary in Pittsburgh’s Strip District under the Dark Matter brand. This location is set to feature a unique design aimed at enhancing customer comfort, including an enclosed parking lot and a walk-up window.
While there are already Dark Matter dispensaries operating in New Mexico and Oregon, Perlow’s focus remains on establishing a successful footprint in Pennsylvania as market regulations evolve. His experiences in navigating the cannabis landscape highlight the challenges and opportunities present for entrepreneurs within this rapidly changing sector.