David Fettner, managing partner at Grow America Builders, recently shared his insights on the challenges of designing cannabis facilities that can adapt to changing regulations. Fettner, who spoke at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, emphasized the importance of future-proofing facilities to handle shifts in state regulations, particularly as markets transition from medical to adult use.

Preparing for Regulatory Shifts

Fettner highlighted the need for a forward-thinking approach when designing cannabis facilities. "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," he explained. This strategy allows facilities to pivot quickly if a state transitions from medical-only sales to full adult-use legalization.

He used a recent project in West Virginia as an example. Although the state currently permits only medical cannabis sales, there has been ongoing discussion about adult-use legalization. "We didn't design [the dispensary] just like a clinical medical dispensary," Fettner noted. The facility was built with potential expansion in mind, allowing it to accommodate adult-use sales without major renovations.

Adapting to Regional Differences

Operating in 16 states, Grow America faces varying regulations and climates that require tailored design solutions. Fettner described the adjustments needed to build efficiently across diverse environments, from the dry climate of Palm Springs to the humidity of Upper Michigan. "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.

Fettner stressed the importance of considering these differences to avoid engineering failures. He pointed out that designing for one state's conditions and applying the same approach elsewhere can lead to issues, 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 cautioned.

The Path Forward

Despite the challenges, Fettner remains optimistic about the cannabis industry's growth. He urged operators to conduct thorough due diligence before starting 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, Fettner remains confident that the cannabis market will offer new opportunities, provided facilities are designed to keep pace with evolving regulations.

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