Speaking Engagement

May 27, 2021

Christopher Palmese a Panelist for Strafford Webinar "Leasing to a Cannabis-Related Business: Banking, Permitting, Zoning, Rent, Indemnification, and Insurance"

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Christopher Palmese, associate in Seyfarth's Real Estate department, will serve as a panelist for the Strafford webinar "Leasing to a Cannabis-Related Business: Banking, Permitting, Zoning, Rent, Indemnification, and Insurance" on May 27, 2021.

Program Description

With some form of cannabis use legalized in most of the US, commercial property owners are increasingly presented with opportunities to lease to cannabis-related businesses. State regulations legalizing CBD, hemp, and recreational and medical cannabis, as well as conflicting federal laws, require real estate and business attorneys to consider a variety of complex rules to draft or modify cannabis-related commercial leases effectively.

The unique challenges and opportunities inherent in leasing to cannabis-related businesses require counsel to reevaluate standard commercial lease terms and amend provisions such as rent structuring, licensing, zoning, permitted use of the premises, compliance with laws, inspection rights, law enforcement, and personal guarantees.

Listen as our panel advises counsel on preparing commercial leases for the growing number of property owners seeking to lease to a cannabis-related business as the cannabis industry expands. The panel will discuss common issues that arise, including the structuring of rent, banking restrictions, permits and zoning, and insurance and related risk management.

The panel will discuss these and other key items:

  • Drafting and updating standard lease terms to reflect cannabis-related business tenant issues
  • Developing a comprehensive plan to address specific issues relevant to cannabis-related businesses
  • Lease terms that accurately reflect state regulations and the federal prohibition of cannabis