Dispensary Opening Checklist

□ Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

• Obtain final CO from local building department
• Verify all building code requirements met (fire suppression, ADA compliance, electrical)
• Submit copy to state cannabis authority (required in most states)

□ Security Camera System

• Minimum 1080p resolution, 24/7 recording, 90-day retention (state requirements vary)
• Cover all entry/exit points, sales floor, storage areas, cash handling
• Submit camera placement diagram to state authority for approval
• Test recording quality and verify remote access for regulators
• Backup power supply (UPS) for minimum 4 hours

□ Alarm System

• Monitored alarm system with 24/7 central station
• Motion detectors, door/window sensors, panic buttons
• Direct notification to local law enforcement (if required by state)
• Test alarm system and verify response procedures

□ Access Control System

• Electronic locks on all restricted areas (storage, cash room, back office)
• Badge/keycard system for employee access tracking
• Visitor log system for non-employees
• Age verification system at entrance (ID scanner recommended)

□ Safe & Cash Handling

• Commercial-grade safe (minimum 750 lbs or floor-bolted)
• Dual-control safe access (two employees required)
• Cash drop safe at POS stations
• Armored car service contract (if applicable)

□ State Cannabis License

• Retail dispensary license issued and active
• License posted in visible location at entrance
• Verify license covers all planned product types (flower, edibles, concentrates)
• Confirm license renewal date and set calendar reminder (90 days prior)

□ Local Business Licenses

• City/county business license
• Local cannabis retail permit (if separate from state license)
• Sales tax permit
• Fire department permit (if required)
• Health department permit (if required for edibles)

□ Employee Badges & Registrations

• All employees registered with state cannabis authority
• Employee badges issued and active (with photos)
• Background checks completed and approved
• Manager/key employee designations submitted (if required)

□ Insurance Coverage

• General liability insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence typical)
• Product liability insurance
• Property insurance (building and inventory)
• Workers' compensation insurance
• Cyber liability insurance (recommended for POS/data systems)

□ POS System Installation

• Cannabis-specific POS installed (Cova, Dutchie, Flowhub, Treez, etc.)
• Hardware setup: terminals, receipt printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners
• Payment processing configured (debit, cashless ATM, or cash-only)
• Tax rates configured (state excise, local, sales tax)
• Employee accounts created with appropriate permissions

□ State Tracking Integration

• METRC or BioTrackTHC integration configured and tested
• API credentials obtained from state authority
• Test transactions submitted and verified in state system
• Automatic sync schedule configured (real-time or batch)
• Error handling and manual reporting procedures documented

□ Product Catalog Setup

• All products entered with SKUs, pricing, and tax categories
• Product photos uploaded (for online menus if applicable)
• Strain information and lab results linked to products
• Purchase limits configured (daily, per-transaction)
• Age-restricted products flagged appropriately

□ Testing & Training

• Conduct 20+ mock transactions covering all product types
• Test returns, voids, discounts, and loyalty programs
• Verify end-of-day reconciliation procedures
• Train all staff on POS operation (minimum 4 hours hands-on)
• Document common error scenarios and troubleshooting steps

□ Vendor Relationships

• Establish accounts with 5-10 licensed cultivators/manufacturers
• Verify all vendor licenses are active and in good standing
• Negotiate payment terms (COD, NET 15/30 typical)
• Obtain W-9 forms for tax reporting
• Set up delivery schedules and minimum order quantities

□ Initial Product Orders

• Order diverse product mix: 40% flower, 30% vapes/concentrates, 20% edibles, 10% other
• Target $50K-150K initial inventory value (varies by market)
• Prioritize fast-moving SKUs and popular brands
• Ensure all products have valid COAs (Certificates of Analysis)
• Verify all products pass state testing requirements

□ Receiving Procedures

• Verify transfer manifest matches physical delivery
• Inspect all products for damage, tampering, or quality issues
• Scan all package tags into tracking system within 24 hours
• Store products in appropriate conditions (temperature, humidity, light)
• Quarantine any products with discrepancies pending resolution

□ Inventory Organization

• Label all storage locations (shelves, bins, vaults)
• Organize by product type and rotation (FIFO - First In, First Out)
• Separate medical and adult-use inventory (if dual-license)
• Conduct full physical inventory count before opening
• Reconcile physical count with tracking system (must match exactly)

□ Required Training Modules (All Staff)

• State Regulations: 2-4 hours covering state cannabis laws, purchase limits, ID verification
• Responsible Vendor Training: State-approved course (similar to alcohol server training)
• Product Knowledge: 4 hours covering strains, cannabinoids, terpenes, product types
• POS System: 4 hours hands-on training with mock transactions
• Security & Safety: 2 hours covering robbery response, emergency procedures, workplace safety
• Customer Service: 2 hours covering patient consultation, complaint handling

□ Role-Specific Training

• Managers: Inventory management, compliance reporting, staff scheduling, cash handling
• Budtenders: Product recommendations, dosing guidance, medical vs. adult-use differences
• Inventory Staff: Receiving procedures, METRC/BioTrack data entry, storage protocols
• Security: Access control, visitor logs, incident reporting, camera system operation

□ Documentation & Certification

• Maintain training logs with dates, topics, and employee signatures
• Obtain certificates for state-required training courses
• Store training records in employee personnel files (7-year retention)
• Schedule annual refresher training (required in most states)

□ Pre-Inspection Self-Audit

• Conduct internal walkthrough using state inspection checklist
• Verify all security cameras recording and accessible
• Test alarm system and verify monitoring service active
• Confirm all licenses posted and employee badges visible
• Verify inventory matches tracking system exactly
• Review all SOPs and ensure staff can locate/explain procedures

□ Request Final Inspection

• Submit inspection request to state cannabis authority (online portal or email)
• Typical scheduling: 7-14 business days from request
• Prepare all required documentation: licenses, insurance, training logs, SOPs
• Designate manager to accompany inspector during walkthrough

□ Inspection Day Preparation

• Facility clean and organized (no clutter, clear pathways)
• All required signage posted (no smoking, age restriction, exit signs)
• Emergency contact list posted near entrance
• Fire extinguishers accessible and inspected (current tags)
• First aid kit stocked and accessible
• All staff present and in uniform with badges

□ Common Inspection Failures (Avoid These)

• Inventory discrepancies (physical count doesn't match tracking system)
• Camera blind spots or non-functional cameras
• Incomplete employee training documentation
• Missing or expired licenses/permits
• Inadequate product storage (temperature, security, organization)
• Non-compliant product labels or missing COAs

□ Soft Opening (Recommended)

• Conduct 1-3 day soft opening for friends, family, and VIP customers
• Limited hours (4-6 hours per day) to test operations
• Identify and resolve operational issues before full launch
• Train staff on real transactions in low-pressure environment
• Gather feedback on customer experience and product selection

□ Grand Opening Preparation

• Marketing: social media, local press, email list, grand opening promotions
• Staffing: Full team scheduled, backup staff on-call for high volume
• Inventory: Fully stocked with 2-3 weeks of anticipated sales
• Queue management: Stanchions, signage, staff to manage lines
• Security: Extra security personnel for crowd control

□ First Week Operations

• Daily manager debriefs to address issues and adjust procedures
• Monitor inventory levels closely and reorder fast-moving products
• Track key metrics: transactions per hour, average ticket, customer wait time
• Gather customer feedback and address complaints promptly
• Conduct daily cash reconciliation and verify tracking system accuracy