From Concept to Construction: Understanding Timelines in Cannabis Dispensary Design
Equipped with a solid budget and a carefully crafted financial roadmap, operators excitedly enter the design and construction process. From the initial planning stage, into construction, and through final inspections, operators can maximize their chances of success by gaining a thorough understanding of the anticipated timelines for dispensary build outs.
Through diligent planning and the assembly of a skilled team of professionals, operators can confidently reach the end of their projects with time and money to spare – creating a strong foundation for a thriving dispensary.
Navigating Cannabis Dispensary Licensure
While timelines for cannabis dispensary projects share many parallels with traditional retail, navigating cannabis business licensure can add complexity and time to the project. Still, operators can start work designing their dispensary and ordering materials even while waiting for their license. Though winning the license is not guaranteed, this proactive approach positions operators to hit the ground running upon approval, expediting the timeline toward the grand opening.
Creating the Concept
A cannabis dispensary project timeline involves several stages. To start, operators should allocate around 4-6 weeks to outline the vision for their brand and workshop their design through several rounds of feedback and refinements. Next, a 4-6 week period should be dedicated to planning the brand rollout, transforming conceptual design into actionable protocol standards for construction.
“Building an effective decision-making team during the planning stage is key to preventing delays,” said Virginia Maggiore, Principal of RDC. “Having a team capable of making decisions and sticking by them is crucial to ensuring prompt and decisive action, ultimately keeping the project on track and setting the dispensary up for success.”
Constructing the Perfect Dispensary
The construction process for a dispensary unfolds much like it would for a non-cannabis project. Operators can expect to invest 8-14 weeks building out their dispensary, with the timeframe varying based on property requirements. To ensure smooth progress and avoid unnecessary delays, operators are encouraged to take proactive steps by ordering materials and supplies in advance. This will mitigate potential long lead times for specialty equipment and custom fixtures, furniture, or millwork.
“You should have everything planned and selected prior to entering the construction phase,” said Virginia Maggiore. “This is especially important when planning multiple locations as consistency can make a huge difference in your budget and timeline.”
During the construction process, new operators might find navigating the complexities of coordinating with city planning, fire, and building departments unexpectedly challenging. However, building strong relationships with city officials and the community can be incredibly valuable. Once the dispensary has been built, it must be inspected prior to beginning operations. Though these essential city and regulatory inspections can extend the project timeline, they ultimately ensure that every dispensary is compliant and well-prepared for operation.
Seeking Expert Guidance
To ensure the dispensary design and build out stay on schedule and on budget, new operators are encouraged to seek guidance from professionals with experience in the cannabis industry. This strategic approach not only reduces the risk of setbacks that could delay the opening, but also ensures the dispensary is set up correctly from the start, preventing future problems and promoting long-term success.
“I think there’s a common misconception that designing and building a dispensary is a quick and inexpensive process,” said Virginia Maggiore. “But, by working with the right design team, operators can make the most of their budget and potentially phase out the project to bring the vision to life while keeping costs and timelines manageable.”
How Can RDC Help?
RDC’s team of architects and designers have worked extensively with retailers in the cannabis industry. Our team works with dispensary owners to design and buildout optimal user experiences and aesthetics!
