New Mexico legalized Cannabis for adults in April when Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Cannabis Regulation Act. Two months after recreational cannabis was legalized in the state, sales for medical and adult use were implemented surpassed $38.5 million. Since the start of sales in New Mexico, the industry has been booming and breaking records month after month.

Now, New Mexicans have nearly 500 locations across the state to purchase marijuana products, according to recent data from the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department.

However, some in the industry argue that finding locations and owners willing to rent has become a struggle. according to a new report of the federal reserve bank, The legalization of cannabis in some states has led to increased demand for commercial real estate. “It was a challenge, it was a challenge from day one”, Leonard SalgadoDirector of Business Development and Expansion for Pecos Valley Production said the Albuquerque Journal.

Restricted real estate market for cannabis dealers

Landlord stigma, high demand, conflicts between federal and state laws, and various local regulations have all contributed to a constrained real estate market for cannabis dealers. Ben LewingerManaging Director of Cannabis Chamber of Commerce of New MexicoHe said, “It turns out that ending Prohibition is difficult.”

Trishelle KirkCEO of Everest Cannabis Co.which has 11 locations across the state, said that “although finding real estate seems to be getting a little easier in the months since legalization, there are still some negative beliefs about pharmacies and their customers that make some landlords reluctant to sell their space.” for rent (…) There is a perception that people buying cannabis are lingering or loitering.”

Adam SilbermanVice President of an Albuquerque-based commercial real estate company Geltmore, who often works with dispensaries, said he has no security issues with his cannabis tenants. “Our poor fellow who…