Professional Cannabis Dispensary Designs
Cornerstone Cannabis specializes in professional cannabis dispensary designs. We pride ourselves in helping clients realize their vision and getting their business to market quickly.
Does Your Cannabis Dispensary Vision Make a Good First Impression?
Often times you only have one chance to make the right impression on a potential consumer or patient, your dispensary design is a top priority when it comes to success. You don’t want to be just another “pot shop” swimming in a sea of saturation. You also don’t want to miss your target demographic and design a dispensary that is out of place, both literally and figuratively.
Technology is playing a major role in changing the way people shop. In traditional retail layout, we see technology impacting customer satisfaction and store flow at cannabis dispensaries should take note of this trend to increase their own success rate. Cannabis retail is no different, it’s a legit retail business so it’s wise to look to other markets.
As more people are increasingly turning to online shopping, traditional brick-and-mortar store storefronts are slowly disappearing. As a result, kiosk-style dispensary models are becoming an important aspect of the customer experience in the future as well as delivery services.
While cannabis is obviously different, the same expectations one might have in a normal retail store apply. It’s your job as the business owner to ensure you’re attracting and retaining customers that are right for your retail model by making sure it has an engaging environment and enjoyable sales floor.
Cornerstone Cannabis also offers interior design services that will Take your Retail facility to the Next Level. Looking the part leads to success and we’re here to help you succeed.
The Importance of Consumer Experiences and Dispensary Design
Customers who are new to the cannabis niche may have questions when they’re in a cannabis retail store for the first time. It’s important that dispensaries create an enjoyable experience so customers feel welcomed and comfortable asking questions about products or services. A lot of this comes down to dispensary designs and how well they flow creating a functional layout.
When you are the business owner of a cannabis dispensary, it is your responsibility to create an authentic, engaging, relaxing, personal, and helpful experience for all customers or patients. Having a well-designed workflow and functional layout so that people can move through the cannabis dispensary safely and efficiently is a top priority.
When it comes down to it there is no right or wrong when it comes to developing the atmosphere and experience your cannabis dispensary will provide. A lot of this will also be developed during the branding phase as well as be influenced by your chosen demographic market, your cannabis dispensary design reinforces these two factors.
With the cannabis market growing and becoming more diverse, cannabis retail spaces are starting to look different than before. Just like in retail where there is a broad range of options available with designs that vary from neighborhood warehouse apothecaries with old refurbished hardwood floors and exposed brick to franchised designer boutiques with cement floors or wall to wall carpeting – similar differences can be seen between cannabis retail design as well.
How do you want to fit into the retail marijuana market? Figure out your plan of action and then execute on that with intention, which starts with your consumers.
Factors That Will Impact Dispensary Design
Branding
Regulations
Medical vs Recreational
Customer Experience
Display & Inventory
Team
Location
Demographic
The Future

Let your Brand Shine
What is your store’s personality? What do you want customers to assume and understand about the brand just by walking into it? A big part of branding is creating an environment that people enjoy being a part of. The name, color palette, logo design, interior design, website, and social media channels should all represent the type of retail experience they will have in your store.
Dispensary Design and State Regulations
Before you start designing, understand what your state requires by way of design and layout as well as what’s expected of dispensary owners. For example, some states require a secure check-in area while others have requirements around one budtender per customer or patient. Start with a firm grasp of what you can and cannot do before dreaming up something creative like how to lay out space in an interesting new way!
Recreational vs. Medical Dispensary
Medical marijuana dispensaries have to provide a secure check-in area and or waiting room for medical patients. With recreational cannabis stores, there is more flexibility in layout, interior design, flow, and merchandising when it comes to recreational cannabis. Again, it’s your responsibility to have a clear understanding of what you can do based on the type of dispensary you operate, compliance is important.
Dialing in the Customer Experience
Today, dispensaries are designed with the consumer in mind. If you want an interactive shopping experience where customers can learn more about cannabis products before making purchasing decisions, design your dispensary around that focus. However, don’t forget to accommodate all of your customer’s needs- for example, allowing for the more experienced customer to be able to avoid the interactive experience, valuing their time. Don’t force consumers to take part if they chose not to.
Product Display and Inventory
Dispensary owners should consider different layouts for their cannabis inventory. It may impact customer experience, and how you manage product inventory. For example, do all budtenders only sell from one supply or does each terminal have its own? Are there products to peruse on the dispensary floor or is it secure in a single place? Different decisions will alter consumer behavior as well as processes involved with managing stock levels and auditing inventory.
The Size of your Team
Depending on the layout of your dispensary, you’ll need to consider who sells, takes money from customers/patients and those fulfilling orders. You also have to take into account busy times as well as state requirements for staff versus patients or customers. In order to determine how many budtenders (or cashiers) are needed in a facility like this be aware that some store designs will require more staff members than others do.
Retail Store Location
The physical space you have may determine how your marijuana retail stores look. If you do not have windows or natural light which yo may not due to state regulations, consider interioir colors and art choices to make the experience more engaging. Be sure to put a lot of time and effort into your dispensary waiting area as well. You will be limited in some areas so budget accordingly with these constraints and understand and accept not every idea or concept will be possible, pick your battles and make the most of the space you do have.
Know Your Cannabis Dispensary Demographic
When considering what your customers want, it’s important to know who you’re actually selling cannabis to. Do your customers know exactly what they’re looking for? Are they local or tourists that need guidance? Is this place better suited for cannasseurs or people coming in after a spa treatment? You need to consider all of these factors as well as local demographics, success starts locally in this industry, and customer flow matters.
Plan for the Future Cannabis Industry
The industry will continue to change rapidly, especially with widespread marijuana legalization and new technology. Start to plan how your cannabis retail business could adapt in the future. If you’re currently medical marijuana only, but want to you want to plan for the future as a recreational dispensary, what changes are needed, and how will you work toward that goal? Once you answer these questions it should be easier to develop a long-term plan.
Dispensary Design Tips
The Dispensary Waiting Area
A well-designed waiting area is the key to success in the cannabis niche. Make sure it has adequate and comfortable seating, something for customers or medical patients to do while they wait like learning your purchasing process, advertising products and brands on big-screen TVs, as well as an ATM in case you're cash only. You can also display non-plant products like marketing and educational materials, supplies, and merch.
All the Details Matter
The details matter when you are personifying the experience of your business. It will be important to make sure that every detail, from floor treatments, display cases, and the overall architecture aligns with your vision for what customers and patients should expect when they walk in the doors. Thematic branding can also be quite lucrative and keep customers coming back. Don't be afraid to be creative and original, but remember to be consistent.
Dispensary Exterior
First impressions matter; making sure you get this impression right with customers takes some work, starting with your exterior. Keep your outdoor environment secure as well as clean by keeping up with landscaping and presenting plants along the perimeter of the building if applicable. Make to have clear branding displayed which includes your compliant signage so foot traffic can learn about your location and new customers can find you. A frustrated consumer is a lost customer, start off on the right foot.
Community Space for Medical Patients
If you have the space, consider having a wellness or community area for your medical marijuana facility. You could offer services such as massage to patients and even create programs that drive business. Alternatively, your waiting room could double as a program space for health and wellness educational events. Creating an atmosphere and community of support is a great way to show patients that you care about them and their well-being.
Interactivity - Kiosks/TV displays
Kiosks, TVs, and interactive educational technology can help patients and customers explore items or learn more about what they want to buy before visiting a budtender, saving time and increasing upsells. Other ideas include digital displays with up-to-the-minute inventory, menus, and advertisements for brands, specials, or events. One word of caution, with the recent pandemic touch screen technology can create health and safety issues.
It's All About Your Branding
Your dispensary is an opportunity to build name recognition and showcase the full depth of your brand. You have opportunities throughout the store, not just with signage or logos on buildings; you can also include it in other ways like decor, dispensary bags, and of course your team. Your team is what truly personifies your brand. Be creative but remain consistent! Don't let your brand become watered down or worse - confusing for customers.
Product Display Cases
When it comes to cannabis products, the display cases you choose can make or break the store experience for many consumers. To avoid underwhelming consumers, consider making sure all displays match your interior design and invest in quality that fits with what you're trying to accomplish. Don't forget utility on the sales floor, consumers need to be able to see the products. The buying experience for many is intimidating and overwhelming, display cases help. Remember clear and prominent signage is important.
Vertically Integrated Dispensaries
Many vertically integrated cannabis dispensaries are following in the footsteps of craft beer breweries by giving customers a glimpse into the other side of their business, the cultivation aspect. If your commercial grow is in the same building as your dispensary store layout open up a wall so customers can see what goes on behind the curtain. This provides extra value for customers and encourages them to bring friends and family along too.
Dispensary Design Tips
The Dispensary Waiting Area
A well-designed waiting area is the key to success in the cannabis niche. Make sure it has adequate and comfortable seating, something for customers or medical patients to do while they wait like learning your purchasing process, advertising products and brands on big-screen TVs, as well as an ATM in case you're cash only. You can also display non-plant products like marketing and educational materials, supplies, and merch.
Interactivity - Kiosks/TV displays
Kiosks, TVs, and interactive educational technology can help patients and customers explore items or learn more about what they want to buy before visiting a budtender, saving time and increasing upsells. Other ideas include digital displays with up-to-the-minute inventory, menus, and advertisements for brands, specials, or events. One word of caution, with the recent pandemic touch screen technology can create health and safety issues.
It's All About Your Branding
Your dispensary is an opportunity to build name recognition and showcase the full depth of your brand. You have opportunities throughout the store, not just with signage or logos on buildings; you can also include it in other ways like decor, dispensary bags, and of course your team. Your team is what truly personifies your brand. Be creative but remain consistent! Don't let your brand become watered down or worse - confusing for customers.
Vertically Integrated Dispensaries
Many vertically integrated cannabis dispensaries are following in the footsteps of craft beer breweries by giving customers a glimpse into the other side of their business, the cultivation aspect. If your commercial grow is in the same building as your dispensary store layout open up a wall so customers can see what goes on behind the curtain. This provides extra value for customers and encourages them to bring friends and family along too.
All the Details Matter
The details matter when you are personifying the experience of your business. It will be important to make sure that every detail, from floor treatments, display cases, and the overall architecture aligns with your vision for what customers and patients should expect when they walk in the doors. Thematic branding can also be quite lucrative and keep customers coming back. Don't be afraid to be creative and original, but remember to be consistent.
Product Display Cases
When it comes to cannabis products, the display cases you choose can make or break the store experience for many consumers. To avoid underwhelming consumers, consider making sure all displays match your interior design and invest in quality that fits with what you're trying to accomplish. Don't forget utility on the sales floor, consumers need to be able to see the products. The buying experience for many is intimidating and overwhelming, display cases help. Remember clear and prominent signage is important.
Dispensary Exterior
First impressions matter; making sure you get this impression right with customers takes some work, starting with your exterior. Keep your outdoor environment secure as well as clean by keeping up with landscaping and presenting plants along the perimeter of the building if applicable. Make to have clear branding displayed which includes your compliant signage so foot traffic can learn about your location and new customers can find you. A frustrated consumer is a lost customer, start off on the right foot.
Community Space for Medical Patients
If you have the space, consider having a wellness or community area for your medical marijuana facility. You could offer services such as massage to patients and even create programs that drive business. Alternatively, your waiting room could double as a program space for health and wellness educational events. Creating an atmosphere and community of support is a great way to show patients that you care about them and their well-being.
What Our Clients Say

Keith Gigliotti
Owner Ad Astra Cannabis and Delta 9 Digital
Shane and company are some of the best in the industry, meeting timelines, and far exceeding expectations for all of my clients. I can't say enough about the professionalism and creativity that Cornerstone Cannabis offers or their stellar customer service and advocacy to realize the client's vision.
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What Our Clients Say

Keith Gigliotti
Owner Ad Astra Cannabis and Delta 9 Digital
Shane and company are some of the best in the industry, meeting timelines, and far exceeding expectations for all of my clients. I can't say enough about the professionalism and creativity that Cornerstone Cannabis offers or their stellar customer service and advocacy to realize the client's vision.