Guide to Marijuana Facilities Design

AIA Trust Guide to Marijuana Facilities Design

By Jeffrey Clay Ruebel Esq. & Casey Ann Quillen, Esq.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws, regulations, licensing requirements, and ethical codes vary by state, and individuals should seek legal counsel or professional advice to evaluate their specific set of facts and circumstances. AIA members should also be cognizant of their obligation to adhere to the AIA’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.  The views stated herein are solely those of the authors and not of the AIA Trust or The American Institute of Architects.

Overview

The production and retail sale of alcohol has a long history in the United States, which allows those providing services to assess risks and benefits from engaging in the alcohol industry. The same cannot be said for the marijuana industry. Not only is this new, burgeoning industry struggling with the growing pains faced by any new business opportunity, it is handicapped by the Federal government’s position that it is an illegal substance as well as conflicting legal requirements by different states and uncertainty on the part of regulatory and safety bodies as to what standards should be applied to the industry. This paper summarizes unique issues of marijuana facilities design and construction including the considerations necessary for the safe and efficient delivery of product to the consumer. It will also discuss current and potential legal risks that a design professional may face, arising from work with this industry and highlight code provisions commonly adopted by municipalities where such activities take place.

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Authors

Jeff Ruebel is an AV-rated attorney who was also honored as a Denver Post Top Lawyer 2017. He is an experienced trial lawyer who uses that experience to advise design and construction firms on legal matters. He regularly presents on topics of concern to design professionals, in all aspects of a design practice.

Casey Ann Quillen is recognized by SuperLawyers as a leading lawyer is construction defect litigation. She focuses her practice on civil litigation, as well as lien and claim litigation. She has presented on current topics to the local AIA on several occasions.

Ruebel & Quillen, LLC is a civil litigation firm located in Westminster, Colorado. The firm is known for quality representation at reasonable rates.

Disclaimer:  All information in this Guide is copyrighted by Jeff Ruebel and Casey Ann Quillen. A license is granted to the AIA Trust and to members of the American Institute of Architects to use the same with permission. The authors and the AIA Trust assume no liability for the use of this information by AIA members or by others who by clicking on any of the links above agree to use the same at their sole risk. Any other reproduction or use is strictly prohibited.

This information is provided as a member service and neither the Authors nor the AIA Trust is rendering legal advice. Laws vary by state and members should seek legal counsel or professional advice to evaluate these suggestions and to advise the member on proper risk management tools for each project.