I Just Got My Dispensary License. Now What?

• A dispensary license authorizes operations but does not guarantee readiness
• Early decisions around real estate, vendors, and compliance shape long-term outcomes
• Many first-time operators underestimate timelines and capital needs
• Strong operational planning reduces costly delays after licensure

A dispensary license gives you legal authorization to operate, but it does not mean you are cleared to open immediately. Most licenses are conditional and require additional approvals related to location, build-out, security, and inspections. Understanding what is approved versus what is still pending is the first step in avoiding missteps.

Real estate is often the largest risk immediately after licensure. Signing a lease before confirming zoning, buffer compliance, and build feasibility can lock operators into expensive delays. The goal is to control a compliant site while preserving flexibility until all local approvals are confirmed.

Many new license holders focus on branding too early. Store layout, customer flow, back-of-house operations, and security should be designed first. These decisions affect staffing levels, throughput, and compliance long before signage or marketing matter.

The vendors you choose after licensure often shape your operating model. Builders unfamiliar with cannabis regulations can cause inspection failures. Technology platforms that are not designed for regulated retail can slow opening timelines. Experience matters more than price at this stage.

Compliance planning should happen before walls are built. Security layouts, camera coverage, access control, and storage areas are often reviewed during inspections. Designing with inspectors in mind reduces rework and prevents failed walkthroughs.

Staffing too early without defined processes creates confusion and waste. Standard operating procedures, inventory workflows, and cash handling should be established before onboarding employees. Systems scale better than personalities in regulated retail.

Even well-prepared operators experience delays. Inspections, permitting, vendor lead times, and revisions all add weeks or months. Planning for extended timelines protects capital and reduces pressure-driven decisions.