Opening a Cannabis Retail Business? Don’t Miss This 30-Step Checklist!
Launching a new cannabis retail operation, whether it’s a brick-and-mortar dispensary, delivery hub, or pop-up shop, is a major milestone. But as anyone in the industry knows, success isn’t just about flipping the lights on and cutting the ribbon.
It’s about compliance, operations, inventory, marketing, and a hundred tiny details that make or break the first impression.
So, whether you’re setting up a full storefront or rolling out your first mobile delivery zone, this 30-point checklist will help you launch smoothly, legally, and profitably.
🔐 1–5: Legal Setup & Licensing
✅ Secure your local and state licenses (retail, delivery, event, etc.).
✅ Check zoning and municipal restrictions (especially for delivery or mobile units).
✅ Set up insurance coverage that fits your business model.
✅ Register your business, tax ID, and any needed reseller permits.
✅ Complete METRC, BioTrack, or required seed-to-sale system setup.
🛠️ 6–10: Space & Equipment Readiness
✅ Finalize your retail layout—storefront, fulfillment hub, or pop-up setup.
✅ Set up your security systems (cameras, safes, alarms, GPS for delivery fleets).
✅ Install tech infrastructure—POS, Wi-Fi, printers, tablets, scanners.
✅ Design your product displays, staging areas, or vehicle inventory storage.
✅ Prep compliance signage and customer-facing education materials.
📦 11–15: Inventory & Systems
✅ Curate your initial product assortment (diverse + high-demand).
✅ Tag and input products into your POS/inventory system.
✅ Run test orders and returns to verify workflows.
✅ Establish SOPs for receiving, tracking, and auditing inventory.
✅ Ensure real-time syncing between menus, stock levels, and delivery tracking.
👥 16–20: Team Setup & Training
✅ Hire your team (budtenders, dispatchers, drivers, floor leads).
✅ Verify employee permits and background checks.
✅ Train your team on compliance, customer service, and POS tools.
✅ For delivery: train drivers on routes, ID checks, and safety protocols.
✅ Create your opening week schedule—and backup coverage plan.
📣 21–25: Marketing & Community Buzz
✅ Set up your website, social links, and menu integrations.
✅ Claim your listings on Weedmaps, Leafly, Google, etc.
✅ Build your email/SMS list and pre-launch hype.
✅ Announce your opening via social, paid ads, or local press.
✅ Offer launch promos, bundles, or first-time deals to draw traffic.
🎯 26–30: Final Checks Before Go-Live
✅ Run a soft open or limited launch (test orders, limited hours, friends/fam).
✅ Do a final compliance walkthrough—signage, logs, forms, equipment.
✅ Stock support supplies: bathroom items, receipt paper, first-aid kits, chargers.
✅ Test customer flows: curbside, in-store, or door-to-door delivery.
✅ Hype your team, launch with confidence—and celebrate day one!
🛒 No Matter the Model, Retail is Retail
Whether you’re building the next top-tier dispensary or launching a sleek delivery service, the goal is the same: open smart, stay compliant, and serve customers like pros.
Bookmark this list, share it with your ops lead, and get ready to launch without the chaos.
As you have read in this article it is not as straightforward as other industries. Operating a cannabis business is extremely difficult, and not having the know-how can really affect your bottom line. Vende Platform is made to help its clients run the business they have always wanted. Providing you with all the necessary tools for your business to succeed is our goal. Schedule a demo with us today and see how running your business on the Vende can help.