Overview
The pre-opening inspection is the last gate between you and your first sale. Inspectors check the space against your approved plans and the rules: security and camera coverage, storage, signage, limited-access areas, records, training and seed-to-sale setup. A failed item can push opening back weeks while you fix it and wait for a new date.
We have prepared our own stores for inspection and sat on the other side of the clipboard many times. Our mock inspection walks your store, your records and your staff the same way, then gives you a prioritized fix list with owners and dates. We repeat the check on anything you fix.
Who this is for
- Licensees two to six weeks from a pre-opening inspection
- Stores that failed an inspection and need a recheck
- Open stores preparing for renewal or a routine compliance visit
- Operators adding delivery, a lounge or a renovation that triggers inspection
Problems we solve
Surprises on inspection day
Small items such as signage, a camera angle or a missing log can fail an otherwise ready store.
Drift from the approved plan
Changes made during construction do not match the plans the regulator approved.
Staff who cannot answer
Inspectors ask staff about procedures, and unclear answers raise concerns.
Records that are not ready
Training logs, visitor logs, security tests and inventory records are incomplete.
How we run a mock inspection
We work from the regulator's own checklist and your approved plans, then add what we have seen inspectors look at in our own stores. We test, rather than look: we pull recordings, check alarm signals, review a sample of logs and run transactions through the system.
We also talk to your staff the way an inspector would, asking them to explain ID checks, purchase limits, receiving and incident steps in their own words. Every finding is written up with a photo, the rule it relates to, an owner and a target date, so fixing it is simple.
What is included
Walkthrough
- Full site walk against state rules and your approved plans
- Security, camera coverage, alarms and access control checks
- Storage, vault and limited-access area checks
- Signage, postings and customer-facing requirements
Records and systems
- Training, visitor, security and maintenance logs
- Seed-to-sale setup and test transactions
- SOPs on site and matching practice
- Required permits and certificates posted
People
- Staff interviews on key procedures
- Manager review of incident and escalation steps
Results
- Prioritized fix list with owners and dates
- Photos and notes for each finding
- Recheck of corrected items before the real inspection
How the engagement runs
Discovery call
We confirm the inspection date, scope and approved plans.
Document review
We review your plans, SOPs and records before we arrive.
Mock inspection
We walk the store, test systems and interview staff.
Fix list
You get findings ranked by risk, each with an owner and a date.
Recheck
We confirm fixes so you walk into the real inspection ready.
Typical timeline
| Phase | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Document review | Days 1 to 3 |
| Mock inspection | 1 day on site |
| Fix list delivered | Within 2 business days |
| Recheck | As fixes are completed, before inspection day |
Timelines depend on your state, your town and how quickly documents are ready. Anything that waits on a regulator or a local board runs on their schedule.
What you provide
- Approved plans and floor plan
- SOPs, logs and training records
- Access to the store and systems
- Staff on site during the walkthrough
Frequently asked questions
What does a dispensary pre-opening inspection check?
Typically security and surveillance, storage, limited-access areas, signage, records, training, seed-to-sale setup and whether the store matches the approved plans. Each state publishes its own requirements.
Will a mock inspection guarantee I pass?
No. The regulator's inspector decides. A mock inspection finds and fixes issues in advance, so you go in prepared.
How far before the inspection should we do this?
Two to six weeks before, so there is time to fix findings and recheck them.
Do you do mock inspections for open stores?
Yes. Many clients run them before renewals or routinely each year. Our compliance audits cover ongoing monthly checks.
Do you share results with the regulator?
No. The findings are for you.
How is a mock inspection priced?
Engagements are scoped and quoted after a discovery call, based on store size and the number of rechecks needed.
What are the most common pre-opening inspection failures?
In our experience, camera coverage gaps, missing or incomplete logs, signage and posting errors, storage that does not match the approved plan and seed-to-sale setup issues. Most are quick to fix if found early.