At Baker Law Group, we work with clients on the design and construction of cannabis facilities of most every kind—from grow facilities and processing centers to dispensaries.
Cannabis projects are rarely straightforward. They often feature compressed timelines, intricate retrofits of older buildings, and regulations that seem to change almost as soon as you learn them. Our role is to help architects, developers, and design-builders navigate the terrain—whether the project involves ground-up development or the adaptive reuse of industrial assets.
Structuring and Supporting Cannabis Projects
Our experience includes large-scale expansions, phased renovations, and first-time design-build ventures. For example, we advised an architecture firm that was providing services to a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator for a 100,000-square-foot expansion of its cultivation and processing facilities. The work was conducted under a master agreement and initial service order, with fees approaching $775,000. Our focus was on adapting the contract to reflect the business realities of cannabis operations.
We also help clients pursue a smart, phased strategy in which projects unfold in phases. In another example, an architect client negotiated with a design-build contractor for the first phase of a grow facility retrofit—25,000 square feet of a 57,000-square-foot industrial property. The agreement had to allow for owner-selected vendors and interim operations, while also keeping the door open for subsequent phases down the road.
Not every project goes as planned. When a design-builder was terminated mid-project, our architect client was left unpaid and in the middle. We negotiated a direct contract with the owner: the architect received payment, licensed its drawings on a limited basis, and walked away with a full release of liability. The result spared our client from protracted litigation and unjustified risk.
We’ve also stood beside clients as they enter the design-build arena for the first time. On a $900,000 retail dispensary project, we negotiated the design-build contract with the owner as well as the client’s subcontracts with trade partners. The project, completed on a fast-tracked 90-day schedule, was a benchmark in the client’s growth as a design-builder.
Counsel Grounded in the Realities of Cannabis Projects
This is work that requires a sharp understanding of how cannabis intersects with construction law. It’s about protecting intellectual property, working to make contracts consistent with state and local laws, and managing risk in an industry still finding its footing. Our clients rely on us to provide the clarity and strategy they need to move projects forward with confidence.
Whether you are negotiating, constructing, or planning within the cannabis space, our team can help guide you through avoiding pitfalls and positioning your project for success. Reach out to us today to start a conversation about your goals.
