There are 12 vertically-integrated MMJ operators today, each allows three retail dispensaries. Adult-use was passed in New Jersey by the largest landslide in history, with 69% of voters checking "yes." State legislative committees have begun crafting regulations, including plans to award an additional 24 retail licenses.
A recently enacted law eliminates the prior requirement for vertical integration.
December 2020 | AYR Strategies announces acquisition of one of the original 12 operators, GSD NJ for a $101M
July 2020 | IIPR completes $35MM acquisition of Curaleaf’s 111K sq.ft. cultivation
June 2020 | Acreage completes NJ medical acquisition for $10MM+ assumption of debt
May 2020 | AWH enters agreement to acquire Green Leaf Compassionate Center
Existing operators will find an abundance of available capital to expand cultivation and prepare well-located retail shops to satisfy the fifth most densely populated state's anticipated enormous demand. And one should not forget the Garden State borders both New York and Pennsylvania, neither of which has legalized adult-use.
If you have the opportunity to invest in a New Jersey operation, you almost can't lose. Nearly a billion dollars of capital will ultimately be required in this desirable market. The play is with proven operators, who will provide the highest ROI in the near-term future. The challenge here will be in valuation and structuring.
For current New Jersey medical operators, "build it, and they will come," has never been a truer adage. The Garden State truly is lush and green.
*Five of the cultivation licenses are for stand-alone cultivations. *15 of the retail licenses are for stand-alone dispensaries. *Each of the 12 vertically integrated licenses are permitted to open three dispensaries. Multiple cultivation tiers: tier 1 allows up to 5K sq.ft., tier 2 allows from 5K sq.ft. to 20K sq.ft., tier 3 allows from 20K sq.ft. to 30K sq.ft. The maximum initial canopy for any of the awardees is 30K sq.ft. Vertically integrated applicants may choose any of the canopy tiers.
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