Marijuana companies' real estate woes often begin even before their business license applications are signed and submitted. Many states require entrepreneurs to have property secured at the time of application, meaning even unsuccessful applicants can be locked into leases or other agreements. But the challenges don't stop there. Marijuana companies with an eye on real estate should consider: * Many landlords charge plant-touching companies a " green tax, " or a premium, above what they would charge mainstream companies for rent. * Municipalities typically place zoning restrictions on where marijuana companies can operate, leading to supply-anddemand issues, especially in densely populated areas. * Cultivation and manufacturing facilities in rural areas often cost less than what is available in urban centers. * Most lending opportunities in the cannabis industry are tied to the borrower's real estate holdings. * Some lenders will finance up to and beyond the valuation price of a company's real estate, but the deals often come with higher interest rates and escalation clauses. mjbizdaily.com | February 2023 35http://www.mjbizdaily.com