In the ever-evolving world of cannabis, staying ahead of the curve is crucial, especially when it comes to facility design. David Fettner, managing partner at Grow America Builders, recently shared his expert insights on the challenges and opportunities of building cannabis facilities that can adapt to changing regulations.
Speaking at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, Fettner stressed the importance of future-proofing facilities. This means designing them with flexibility in mind, allowing them to easily adapt to shifts in state laws, particularly as markets move from medical-only to adult-use cannabis.
“We try to future-proof, right? Just because we’re building something… we designed it because, hey, you know… you can open it up; you don’t have to retrofit it,” Fettner explained. This forward-thinking approach allows facilities to quickly pivot and meet new regulations, ensuring they remain compliant and competitive.
He used a recent project in West Virginia as a prime example. While the state currently only permits medical cannabis sales, discussions around adult-use legalization are ongoing. “We didn’t design [the dispensary] just like a clinical medical dispensary,” Fettner noted. The facility was intentionally built with potential expansion in mind, allowing it to seamlessly accommodate adult-use sales without requiring costly renovations.
Operating in 16 states, Grow America faces a diverse landscape of regulations and climates. This requires tailored design solutions that account for the unique needs of each location. From the arid climate of Palm Springs to the humid conditions of Upper Michigan, Fettner emphasizes the importance of adapting to these differences to avoid potential engineering failures.
“What we’re going to design and do in Palm Springs is totally different from what we’re going to do in Upper Michigan,” he said. He cautioned against using a one-size-fits-all approach, particularly in cultivation facilities. “We’ve seen a lot of engineers who engineer everything the same way, and that’s when you start seeing disasters,” he warned.
Despite the challenges, Fettner remains optimistic about the growth of the cannabis industry. He encourages operators to conduct thorough due diligence before embarking on any projects, from assessing power availability to understanding local zoning rules. “Due diligence before you jump two feet into the water… that’s going to eliminate a lot of problems,” he advised.
Fettner’s focus on adaptability and preparation underscores his commitment to ensuring that cannabis facilities are built to withstand both regulatory changes and environmental challenges. As he continues expanding Grow America’s footprint across the nation, he remains confident that the cannabis market will offer new opportunities, provided facilities are designed to keep pace with evolving regulations.
This commitment to future-proofing and understanding local nuances positions Grow America Builders as a leader in the cannabis construction industry. By adapting to change and focusing on sustainability, they are paving the way for a thriving and responsible cannabis industry.
