Back
General • Inspections

Dispensary Owner's Compliance Checklist

This checklist will help owners to make their dispensary succeed by providing a solid compliance program in place to make sure your business plan is following all applicable local and state laws.
MaintainX
07/19/2022

Dispensary Owner's Compliance Checklist

This checklist will help owners to make their dispensary succeed by providing a solid compliance program in place to make sure your business plan is following all applicable local and state laws.

    Licensing

    PREPARE ALL REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING THE NECESSARY BUSINESS LICENSES AND PERMITS TO OPERATE A DISPENSARY.

    The order in which you complete the requirements for obtaining your dispensary licenses and permits also can vary from state to state. For example, a state license in California cannot be obtained until you’ve first been approved for a municipal license.

    KEEP ALL LICENSES AND PERMITS UP TO DATE.

    MAKE SURE ALL LICENSES AND PERMITS ARE ACCESSIBLE.

    Products

    ALL PRODUCTS MUST BE PROPERLY TESTED.

    ALL PRODUCTS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED.

    ere are some examples of what kind of information might be required on your labels:

    ALL PRODUCTS MUST BE PACKAGED PROPERLY BEFORE LEAVING THE STORE.

    COMPLETE REGULAR INVENTORY AUDITS

    Operations

    HAVE A STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES GUIDE.

    THOROUGHLY VET YOUR NEW HIRES.

    In order to run a compliant cannabis company, you need a trustworthy and dependable staff. Make sure you properly vet any potential employees during the hiring process.

    HAVE AN EMPLOYEE COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST.

    INVEST IN DISPENSARY EMPLOYEE TRAINING.

    PUT SOMEONE IN CHARGE.

    MAKE SURE YOU’RE IN COMPLIANCE WITH SEED-TO-SALE PROCEDURES.

    While the procedures vary by state, every state requires that dispensaries account for all cannabis products from seed to sale.

    BE PREPARED FOR FINANCIAL AUDITS.

    PAY YOUR TAXES. Cannabis taxes are more complex than other industries.

    Security

    HAVE A DEDICATED CHECK-IN AREA.

    Note: In some markets, like Colorado, identification must be checked twice: once at the door and a second time at the register.

    CHECK EVERY SINGLE ID.

    INVEST IN A VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM. While the actual requirements for systems vary by state, every state requires dispensaries to have 24-hour video surveillance.

    INVEST IN AN ALARM SYSTEM.

    STORE YOUR CASH SECURELY.

    Serving customers

    DON’T LET CUSTOMERS TOUCH THE PRODUCT.

    ELL FLOWER IN SEALED, TAMPER-RESISTANT PACKAGING.

    NO GIVEAWAYS. “Buy one, get one free” might be a successful sales tactic in the retail world, but for most states, it’s a no-go in cannabis.

Source: MaintainX (Community Member)

Please note that any procedure, checklist, or other document available in the MaintainX Procedure Hub is provided for general education and information only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. MaintainX makes the materials available AS IS and AS PROVIDED, without warranties of any kind. By downloading or using any such materials, you assume the risk that they may not be appropriate for your specific situation and agree that you are solely responsible for any such use, including compliance with applicable law and with meeting any conditions of product warranties.