Unlocking Cannabis Success: Jason Piazza Discusses the Critical Role of Real Estate in Financing
by Roger Tower on June 17, 2025
At the Benzinga Cannabis Conference, Jason Piazza delivered an insightful session on how crucial real estate decisions can unlock better financing opportunities for cannabis businesses. In an industry where location and infrastructure play a pivotal role in success, understanding the nuances of real estate is more important than ever. Let’s dive into what Jason had to say about how businesses can leverage prime real estate to elevate their operations.
In his session titled “Where You Grow & Sell Matters: How Prime Real Estate Unlocks Better Financing and Vice Versa,” Jason Piazza discussed the symbiotic relationship between real estate and financing in the cannabis sector. He highlighted the significant challenges that cannabis companies face when trying to secure financing without the right location, zoning, and property specifications in place. Jason’s session provided valuable advice on how businesses can strategically choose their locations and navigate the complexities of financing.
Watch the Full Panel Discussion “Where You Grow & Sell Matters: How Prime Real Estate Unlocks Better Financing (And Vice Versa)”
For those who missed the live event, we are pleased to share the full video recording of the panel discussion featuring Jason Piazza. Gain firsthand insights into how financiers assess cannabis businesses and learn strategies to enhance your company’s financial standing in this evolving market.
This insightful session delved into the methodologies financiers employ to evaluate assets such as real estate, brand value, sales, and profits within the cannabis sector. The discussion provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the critical factors that enhance a business’s appeal to investors and lenders.
Jason Piazza contributed his expertise to the panel alongside distinguished panelists:
- Samantha Gleit, Partner at Feuerstein Kulick LLP
- Will Bowden, Founder & CEO Grasshopper Farms
- Joseph Lustberg, CEO Upwise Capital
- Rachel Wright, CPA, CEO VERDANT Strategies
About Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight: Chicago, IL
In cannabis, your location isn’t just where you grow or sell—it’s the key to securing better financing, lower interest rates, and long-term success. Prime real estate in the right market can mean quicker loan approvals, friendlier terms, and access to better capital. So, what makes a cannabis location attractive to lenders and investors? How can operators position themselves for financial success through real estate strategy? This panel will break down how top operators, real estate experts, and financiers are securing and funding the best cannabis properties before the competition does.
Jason Piazza is a seasoned expert in cannabis real estate and financing, with many years of experience helping businesses find the best locations to grow and sell cannabis. His expertise lies in helping cannabis companies unlock the potential of their business by aligning real estate decisions with financial strategies. As a thought leader in this space, Jason has worked with a variety of companies, from startups to industry leaders, to secure the perfect property for their cannabis operations.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to watch the panel and share your thoughts in the comments section below. What are your key takeaways from the discussion? How do you perceive the evolving valuation landscape in the cannabis industry? Let’s engage in a meaningful dialogue to further our collective understanding and success.
Benzinga Panel Summary:
Moderator:
So when it comes to real estate in cannabis, what’s the most important thing operators should focus on?
Will (Grasshopper Farms):
Honestly, it all starts with your business plan and identity. You’ve got to know exactly who you are—are you a cultivator or a retailer? That determines where you should be and what kind of property you need. And then, you’ve got to be able to execute. Having a clear plan helped us grow in multiple states even without a big track record in the beginning.
Joe (Upwise Capital):
Exactly. And from the financing side, lenders really care about the location and alternative use value of the property. Like, if your business doesn’t work out, can that building be used for something else? That affects how much we can lend. Plus, operators need to stay on budget—we’ve seen people spend $500+ per square foot on buildouts, and it’s just not sustainable anymore.
Rachel (420 CPA):
And don’t forget taxes! If you’re not thinking about 280E and structuring your entities smartly, you could be overpaying millions. Real estate is one of the few tools cannabis operators have to reduce that tax burden—if it’s set up right from the beginning.
Jason (WeCan):
Also, infrastructure is huge. If you’re cultivating, you need proper power, water, ceiling height—you name it. And timing is another big factor. In emerging markets, getting operational quickly can make all the difference. Sometimes it’s better to buy an existing building than go ground-up.
Moderator:
Great points. What about newer operators who don’t own real estate yet?
Joe:
If you’re just starting, and leasing, you have fewer financing options—but it’s not impossible. We often use cross-corporate guarantees if the operator owns another business. But either way, you need skin in the game and a solid, fundable plan.
Will:
Yeah, you can still build credibility. We did it by focusing on one thing—premium sun-grown flower—and delivering it really well. That helped us gain traction and expand.
Rachel:
Also, don’t try to do everything at once. Especially with micro licenses—specialize. The operators who try to be everything to everyone usually end up overextended and underfunded.
Moderator:
So to wrap it up—business plan, location, infrastructure, costs, tax strategy, and focus—those are the pillars of successful cannabis real estate, right?
Everyone:
Exactly.
