Summary
Launching a cannabis kitchen involves far more than buying equipment. Operators must consider facility upgrades, regulatory requirements, and ongoing operational costs, which vary dramatically based on scale, building type, and product mix.
Below is a realistic, industry-driven breakdown of costs for small, mid-size, and large-scale facilities.
Startup Cost Ranges
Small Cannabis Kitchen (200–600 sq ft)
Ideal for: Startups, pilot kitchens, limited SKUs, R&D
Estimated Cost: $50,000–$125,000
Includes:
- Countertop or small commercial equipment
- 1–2 reach-in coolers/freezers
- Basic ventilation upgrades
- Minimal electrical upgrades
- Basic packaging area
- Manual sanitation setup
- Basic security + seed-to-sale integration
Mid-Size Cannabis Kitchen (600–2,000 sq ft)
Ideal for: Growing brands, multi-SKU production, daily operations
Estimated Cost: $150,000–$350,000
Includes:
- Multiple full-size ovens or a combi oven
- Steam-jacketed kettle(s)
- Walk-in cooler/freezer
- Climate-controlled chocolate or confectionery space
- Blast chiller
- High-temp dishmachine
- Moderate HVAC and electrical upgrades
- Secure cannabis storage room
- Dedicated packaging line
Large-Scale Cannabis Kitchen (2,000–15,000 sq ft)
Ideal for: High-volume manufacturing, MSOs, co-manufacturers
Estimated Cost: $400,000–$1,000,000+
Includes:
- High-capacity kettles, depositors, enrobers
- Multiple walk-in units (cooler, freezer, environmental rooms)
- Industrial blast chillers
- Pallet racking, forklift pathways
- Full sanitation program with floor drains
- 3-phase electrical distribution
- Type I/II hoods + UL 300 fire suppression
- Security vaults and 24/7 monitored surveillance
- Office, QA lab, and staff facilities
High-volume facilities tend to invest heavily in automation and climate control, two of the biggest cost drivers.
Major Cost Drivers (What Makes Numbers Go Up)
1. HVAC & Ventilation
One of the most underestimated expenses in cannabis kitchens.
Cost Range: $10,000–$150,000+
Why?
- Type I hoods for cooking with grease vapors
- Type II hoods for heat/steam
- Makeup air units
- Odor control
- Climate control for chocolate or packaging rooms
2. Electrical Upgrades (3-Phase Power)
High-capacity equipment requires stronger electrical infrastructure.
Cost Range: $5,000–$100,000+
Includes:
- New panels
- Adding 208/240V or 480V service
- Dedicated circuits for ovens, kettles, and chillers
3. Refrigeration & Cooling
One of the most important (and expensive) categories.
Cost Range: $8,000–$150,000+
Depending on:
- Walk-in cooler/freezer size
- Blast chillers
- Chocolate room cooling
- Packaging climate control
- Condenser placement
Gummy and chocolate operations cannot scale without proper cooling.
4. Cooking Equipment
Cost depends on production volume & menu.
Cost Range: $10,000–$200,000+
Examples:
- Convection ovens
- Combi ovens
- Steam-jacketed kettles
- Induction burners
- High-shear mixers & homogenizers
- Depositors (manual → automated lines)
5. Sanitation Equipment
Often required by health departments.
Cost Range: $4,000–$40,000
Includes:
- High-temp dishmachine
- 3-compartment sinks
- Floor drains (installation cost varies)
- Hand sinks
- Chemical dispensing systems
6. Security & Surveillance
Required by state cannabis regulations.
Cost Range: $5,000–$50,000
Includes:
- 24/7 video surveillance
- Secure storage/vault
- Access control (badges, locks, alarms)
- Storage for security footage (30–90 days min.)
7. Licensing & Compliance
Regulatory fees + required certifications.
Cost Range: $5,000–$50,000+
Depending on state:
- Facility license fees
- Local zoning
- Fire inspections
- Health department approvals
- Third-party testing
- Seed-to-sale system onboarding (Metrc/BioTrack)
Hidden or Frequently Forgotten Costs
These often surprise operators:
- Architectural & engineering drawings
$3,000–$50,000 depending on complexity. - Permits & inspections
Budget several thousand for each discipline:- Building
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Fire
- Delivery, freight & installation
Freight on equipment can be 10–25% of equipment cost. - Water filtration systems
Essential for steam equipment & kettles. - Waste management buildout
Cannabis waste rooms or secure bins. - Employee welfare areas
Lockers, breakrooms, PPE storage.
Typical Timeline & Cash Flow Planning
A realistic cannabis kitchen project includes:
Step 1: Pre-Planning & Design
2–6 weeks
Cost: $5,000–$25,000 (depending on design)
Step 2: Permitting & Approvals
4–12+ weeks
Cost: $1,000–$10,000
Step 3: Ordering Equipment
2–10 weeks
Cost: 50–70% of total project
Step 4: Construction / Fit-Out
4–16 weeks
Cost: 20–40% of total project
Step 5: Installation & Commissioning
1–3 weeks
Cost: varies by equipment type
Step 6: Inspections & Licensing
2–6 weeks
Total time:
3–8 months is typical for a compliant, inspected facility.
Budgeting Tools to Help Plan Your Build
Aldevra provides practical tools to streamline the process:
Equipment Budget Worksheet
Breaks down each equipment category with cost ranges and selections.
Renovation Cost Calculator
Estimate buildout costs by:
- Square footage
- HVAC needs
- Ventilation complexity
- Sanitation and drain requirements
- Refrigeration type
Financing Options Guide
Includes:
- Traditional loan pathways
- Equipment financing
- Leasing programs
- Cannabis-friendly lenders
- Cash flow vs. capex strategy
These tools help operators avoid underbudgeting and unexpected overruns.
Build Your Budget With Aldevra
Whether you're evaluating a 500 sq ft gummy lab or a 10,000 sq ft edible manufacturing plant, Aldevra can help you build a realistic budget, select the right equipment, and avoid costly mistakes.
Request a customized cannabis kitchen equipment quote:
https://www.aldevra.com/contact-us
