Jerina Pillert 36, and her husband, Logan Bowers, 37, are pursuing unusual career paths. The couple owns a recreational marijuana business, which she manages. He, meanwhile, is running for Seattle City Council.

Inspired by a relative who legally sells medical marijuana in Arizona, Ms. Pillert and Mr. Bowers applied in 2013 for a license to sell cannabis recreationally in Seattle. Hashtag Cannabis opened in April 2015. The couple now has two retail outlets, and wants to open a third soon, either with money from the business...