facility design

Facility design is essential to operational success. Catalyst BC brings engineering, compliance, and workflow alignment together to support cultivation, processing, and retail facilities from the ground up.

Professional overwhelmed by cannabis startup costs, sitting at desk reviewing cannabis facility build-out expenses and working capital needs.
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Laws and Regulations

Cannabis Startup Costs: From Licensing to Profitability

/

Starting a legal cannabis business isn’t just about getting a license—it’s about building a profitable, compliant, and sustainable operation in one of the world’s most capital-intensive and regulated industries. Many entrepreneurs enter this space with many goals, good intentions, and passion, but ultimately fail because they underestimate the cost, complexity, experience, and time required to turn a cannabis license into a thriving business.

A business professional figuratively trapped by a mousetrap symbolizes common cannabis license pitfalls and the need for proactive cannabis compliance and cannabis facility design planning.
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Laws and Regulations

Cannabis License Pitfalls: How to Avoid Common Cannabis Licensing Mistakes

/

As new adult-use programs launch, many entrepreneurs are eager to start growing, processing, or selling cannabis. Excitement runs high, but the industry’s heavy regulations and complex operations can quickly overwhelm even experienced business owners. Common mistakes include underestimating compliance requirements, rushing facility design, skipping proper procedures, and more.

Close-up of a flowering cannabis bud symbolizing a successful cannabis cultivation turnaround.
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Cultivation, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Operations and Optimization

Cannabis Cultivation Turnaround: A Strategic Guide for Stakeholders

/

Creating a profitable cannabis cultivation business is far more complex than simply growing plants—it’s about managing a company within one of the world’s most dynamic and tightly regulated industries. Operators often find themselves battling shrinking margins, ever-changing compliance requirements, and increasing competition, all while trying to extract maximum value from every corner of their operation.

Modern New Jersey cannabis lounge interior design
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, New Jersey, Recreational

Open a Cannabis Consumption Lounge in New Jersey: Getting Started Guide

/

New Jersey’s adult-use law allows “cannabis consumption areas,” but only as an endorsement to existing licenses. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) decided not to create a new license class; instead, licensed Class 5 retailers (or permitted medical dispensaries) can apply for a Consumption Area Endorsement to their facility. This means only approved dispensaries (currently still coming online in NJ) can add a 21+ onsite use room. Applications for consumption area endorsements opened in January 2025.

Modern New Mexico cannabis lounge interior design with compliant layout
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, New Mexico, Recreational

Open a Cannabis Lounge in New Mexico: Licensing & Compliance Guide

/

New Mexico’s Cannabis Regulation Act (2021) explicitly authorizes On-Site Consumption Area licenses (often called “consumption lounge” permits) under the NM Cannabis Control Division (CCD). The CCD issues two types of permits: Type I (non-smoking, edibles/vapor) and Type II (smoking allowed). A consumption area license lets a venue legally serve non-infused snacks/beverages and allow consumption of cannabis products by patrons age 21+. These can be standalone lounges or add-ons to other licensees (e.g. a dispensary or restaurant that obtains a consumption license).

Modern interior of a licensed New York cannabis lounge
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, New York, Recreational, United States

New York Cannabis Lounge License: Guide to Compliance and Success

/

New York State law provides for adult-use on-site consumption licenses under the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). As of 2025, New York is still in the early stages of issuing these licenses; only a handful of trial licenses have been granted. The Cannabis Law caps investment (no person can hold more than 3 consumption licenses) and prohibits vertical integration: lounge licensees cannot also hold dispensary, cultivation, or processor licenses. This was done to ensure lounges operate solely as consumption venues, not as sales outlets. Learn how to navigate the rules to successfully apply for your lounge license.

Modern interior design of a Nevada cannabis lounge with stylish seating and ventilation features
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Recreational

Nevada Cannabis Lounge License Guide: What You Need to Know

/

Nevada has enthusiastically embraced consumption lounges. In 2021, Governor Sisolak signed AB 341 authorizing the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) to license cannabis consumption lounges. After extensive stakeholder work, the CCB approved final regulations in late 2023. Lounges are split into two types: Retail Lounges (operated by licensed dispensaries or microbusinesses) and Independent Lounges (standalone sites).

Interior of a modern Michigan cannabis lounge with seating and ventilation systems
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Laws and Regulations, Recreational, United States

Michigan Consumption Lounge Licenses: What You Need to Know

/

Michigan law explicitly recognizes and licenses cannabis “Designated Consumption Establishments.” These are commercial venues where adults 21+ can legally consume cannabis products on-site. The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) issues Consumption Lounge Licenses to qualified entities. Pursuant to state rules (MRTMA and R 420.21(3)), any person or business that allows on-site cannabis use in exchange for a fee or membership must hold this license.

Interior of a modern Maryland cannabis lounge designed for safe on-site cannabis use.
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Laws and Regulations, Recreational, United States

Maryland Cannabis Lounge Laws: What’s Coming and How to Prepare

/

Maryland’s adult-use cannabis law (July 2023) authorizes on-site consumption lounges, but the regulations are still developing. The 2023 Cannabis Reform Act created “On-Site Consumption Lounge” licenses, akin to food-service venues, where cannabis can be consumed on premises. However, the Legislature has directed the Cannabis Administration (MCA) to delay issuing these licenses until local zoning is ready and the new rules are promulgated.

Scroll to Top