What do I need to finish before I can open my dispensary?
Once you receive your license, you are not approved to open yet.
You still have to:
- Finish your buildout
- Pass required inspections
- Prove your security and storage meet OCM rules
- Show that your layout, ADA access, and systems are ready to run a compliant store
- Register with the Department of Tax & Finance
Only after OCM reviews your documentation and completes its inspection can your license move from provisional to final, and you can legally open to the public.
This page explains what OCM expects to see before you open.
Premises Approval
Your physical space must match:
- The location you submitted in your application
- The floor plan you submitted to OCM
- The plans approved by your building and fire departments
OCM will not issue a final license if your premises differ from what you filed.
Building Department Requirements
Local building departments (DOB in NYC) must approve:
- Construction plans
- Electrical work
- Plumbing work
- Fire safety systems
- Accessibility features
- Any interior buildout, demolition, or structural changes
You must receive all required permits before starting construction and final sign-offs after work is completed.
Fire Department Requirements
The fire department must review and approve:
- Sprinkler systems
- Fire alarms
- Emergency exits
- Exit signage
- Fire extinguishers
- Emergency lighting
You must pass a fire inspection before opening.
Security System Installation & Verification
Before opening, your full security system must be installed and working, including:
- Surveillance cameras covering all required areas
- Secure vault or storage area
- Alarm and intrusion system
- Restricted access to employee-only areas
- Backup power for critical components
- Retention and storage of video footage
OCM will check this during the final inspection.
Operational Readiness
OCM requires certain operational elements to be complete before opening:
- POS system installed and configured
- Inventory tracking and seed-to-sale system connected
- Recordkeeping system set up
- Product intake, storage, and handling processes ready
- Employee scheduling and timekeeping system ready
- Cash handling protocols implemented
- Waste disposal plan set up
You must be able to demonstrate full compliance on opening day.
Policies, Procedures & Staff Training
OCM expects your team to be trained before you open. This includes:
- Security procedures
- ID verification and age checks
- Sales limits and purchase rules
- Inventory handling
- Waste procedures
- Emergency procedures
- ADA accommodations
- Customer service expectations
- Incident reporting
Training must be documented.
Insurance Requirements
Before opening, you must have:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation (if you have employees)
- Disability and paid family leave coverage
- Any local insurance required by your landlord or municipality
Proof may be requested during inspections or license review.
Final OCM Inspection
OCM will conduct a final inspection to confirm:
- The premises match the approved plans
- Security systems meet requirements
- Storage and vault areas are compliant
- All signage meets state rules
- Layout supports safe operations
- All records and systems are ready
- You meet accessibility and safety rules
If you pass, OCM will issue your final license.
If you fail, you must correct deficiencies before reinspection.
Common Issues That Delay Opening
Operators often run into problems with:
- Buildouts that don’t match the submitted plans
- Missing or incomplete municipal permits
- ADA compliance issues discovered late
- Cameras not covering required areas
- Security systems without backup power
- Missing training documentation
- Premises not ready for inventory intake
References
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