The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that recreational cannabis retailers are rushing to sign deals for prime real estate locations ahead of the April launch of legal marijuana stores in Ontario, even before the province's rules for the outlets are clear. The Globe's Marina Strauss writes that the province is expected in the next several weeks to finalize details of regulations that will clarify which cannabis companies can operate stores, how many outlets each can run and where they can be located. Ontario has said there will not be a limit on the number of stores over all in the province. Because of the uncertainty over the regulatory landscape, some of the deals being negotiated would require the retailers to pay penalties that can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars if the rules ultimately prevent them from setting up shop at their planned sites. Bidding wars have even erupted for some coveted leases, driving up prices by up to 50 per cent of market values. One real estate broker says, "Cannabis retailers are not waiting -- they are acting now." Newstrike Brands' Spiritleaf has signed binding offers to lease about 20 stores in Ontario. They are placing bets on what real estate will qualify under the rules.