New Proptech for Pot Property Planning

What is likely the biggest problem for the cannabis industry is the serious issue of regulation. Many types of products are still illegal under federal law and also in numerous states and localities. What is legal in one place might not be in another.

Zoned Properties, which provides CRE services for the cannabis industry and other “highly regulated industries,” has been partnering with zoning and land use data firm Zoneomics “to streamline GIS mapping and data solutions in commercial real estate for the regulated cannabis market,” according to a press release. Zoned introduced a new proptech platform with geographic information system (GIS) mapping at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Miami on Wednesday, April 20. Otherwise known as 4/20, or “weed day.”

“This custom-outfitted technology has the potential to solve one of the biggest challenges in regulated commercial real estate: how to identify compliant, zoned properties that can be permitted and authorized for cannabis operations,” Zoned Properties CEO Bryan McLaren said in prepared remarks. 

GIS refers to a group of technologies that can allow users to associate virtually any type of data—locations of utility facilities, property values and other real estate data, health statistics, telecommunications network statuses, and much more—with maps. Select a given location and the associated information becomes available. 

When it comes to the cannabis industry, zoning is a critical aspect of whether a specific type of related business can operate in a given location. Here’s an example from Connecticut:

“For a cannabis establishment to operate, it must have zoning approval from local authorities. Retailers and micro-cultivators specifically must obtain either a special permit or other affirmative approval from the municipality. … It is important to note that each municipality’s zoning regulations are different. The reporting, or lack of reporting, of a zoning change does not necessarily mean cannabis establishments are allowed or disallowed.  Contact your local zoning authority for more information.”

That last sentence applies to a far broader area than one state and is a problem for an industry that doesn’t experience universal welcome from local governments. Clearing regulatory requirements is always a task in CRE development. The presence of cannabis can significantly increase the required work.

Zoned Properties is attempting to centralize relevant zoning and regulatory information to create a more efficient system for site selection.