Leasing Activity

By Virginia Maggiore of RDC Although the roadmap to opening a dispensary presents unique challenges inherent to the cannabis industry, the process shares many parallels with traditional retail projects. From selecting the optimal site, designing the brand and interior and implementing the build-out plan, the similarities are evident. However, a pivotal differentiator lies in the need to assemble a team that has experience with cannabis laws, sites, operations and build-outs. The collective expertise comprised by seasoned architects, designers and general contractors is instrumental in navigating the complexities of the cannabis industry, avoiding unnecessary expenses and delays, while ensuring a successful store opening. Selecting the Optimal Site The first step in the process to opening a dispensary involves choosing the optimal property for the storefront. While some entrepreneurs opt for ground-up construction, the majority leverage existing vacant spaces, repurposing them into cannabis dispensaries. Operators that are refurbishing an existing property for retail will want to select a site that boasts a vanilla shell or blank canvas for the new store to build upon. Choosing properties that already contain many of the costly elements like utilities and bathrooms can greatly minimize construction expenses. This allows operators to save their budget for a …