3 Cannabis REITs Leading the Marijuana Stock Market in October 2025

Industry Overview - The cannabis real estate sector is gaining renewed attention, with the U.S. cannabis industry showing robust fundamentals, reaching approximately $30.1 billion in legal sales in 2024, growing about 4.5% year over year [1] - Analysts project the U.S. cannabis market to reach $76 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate near 11% [1] - Regulatory momentum is building, with lawmakers pushing for federal reform, which could enhance banking access and reduce financing barriers for cannabis operators [1] Company Profiles Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (IIPR) - IIPR is the largest publicly traded cannabis REIT in the U.S., owning over 100 properties across 19 states, focusing on long-term triple-net leases with state-licensed cultivators and processors [3] - The company provides essential infrastructure for multi-state operators, enabling steady income through fixed contractual rents [3] - IIPR's balance sheet is conservative, with low leverage and substantial liquidity reserves, maintaining steady rental income despite industry headwinds [6] NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (NLCP) - NLCP combines industrial and retail cannabis real estate holdings, owning over 30 properties in 12 states by 2025, utilizing a sale-leaseback model [7] - The REIT's properties include dispensaries and production facilities leased to established multi-state operators, providing balanced exposure to both wholesale and consumer-facing segments [7] - NLCP reported total quarterly revenue of approximately $12.9 million in 2025, with net income around $7 million, indicating continued earnings stability [9] Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (REFI) - REFI provides structured debt and commercial mortgage loans to cannabis operators, financing acquisition and expansion projects across multiple states [10] - The company managed loan principal balances exceeding $400 million, with an average yield near 17%, and reported quarterly net interest income of around $13 million [12] - Non-performing loans represented less than 1% of total assets, highlighting the strength of REFI's underwriting standards [13] Financial Performance - IIPR's funds from operations (FFO) showed resilience, with management actively renegotiating leases to stabilize revenue [6] - NLCP's disciplined underwriting and conservative financing strategy have allowed consistent rent collection, even amid financial stress in parts of the cannabis sector [9] - REFI's strong liquidity and disciplined credit monitoring help the company navigate potential market downturns, providing a steady income stream for investors [13]