MIAMI, June 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AYR Wellness Inc. (CSE:AYR, OTCQX:AYRWF) ("AYR" or the "Company"), a leading vertically integrated U.S. multi-state cannabis operator ("MSO"), today announced the closing of a triple-net lease transaction with Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. ("IIP") (NYSE: IIPR) in the State of Florida.  Under the terms of the agreement, AYR is leasing a 16-acre property comprising of 145,000 square feet of industrial space in Ocala, Florida from IIP. AYR plans to redevelop a 98,000 square foot building within the property to serve as a regulated cannabis cultivation facility. IIP has committed to funding AYR up to $30.0 million for the construction. This transaction marks an expansion of AYR's long-term real estate partnership with IIP. AYR previously partnered with IIP on an 11,000 square foot processing facility in Ohio. "We are proud to partner once again with IIP to create an attractive real estate financing solution," said Brad Asher, Chief Financial Officer of AYR. "We estimate that construction will be complete in mid-2025, with the first harvest expected shortly thereafter. We believe there is strong demand for indoor flower in Florida within the existing $2.5 billion medical program. Additionally, if adult-use passes in the November ballot initiative, the construction of this indoor facility, coupled with our 64-store footprint and existing ...