How to Foolproof your Dispensary Before Day One (Or After You've Opened)

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Warren Harasz, Chief Compliance Officer at Cannaspire, an end-to-end cannabis consulting firm that helps operators license, design SOPs, source vendors, build facilities, and stay compliant. Warren brings 18 years of cultivation experience and a professor’s approach to turning complex regulations into practical, living playbooks. The conversation covers how to get SOPs off the shelf and into daily operations—from employee handbooks and disciplinary policies to state and municipal reporting—and why consistency in enforcement is essential to avoid costly lawsuits. Learn why cannabis-specific templates are scarce, how to write flexible SOPs that survive equipment changes, and the art of rolling out policies with buy-in from the GM and operations leaders. The episode also dives into staffing strategies before opening (lean staffing, six weeks of prep, two weeks of onboarding), how often to audit and update SOPs (annual reviews and triggers like code changes or new processes), and who should own SOPs in cultivation, manufacturing, and retail. Practical, actionable guidance for dispensaries aiming to scale while staying compliant. For more, visit cannaspire.com. Find out more about Cannaspire at:https://cannaspire.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-harasz-72a022b0/https://www.linkedin.com/company/35626647/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:06 Cannaspire's Role and Services01:08 Warren's Background and Industry Experience02:38 Key Processes for New Cannabis Operators02:47 Importance of Employee Management03:52 Creating Effective SOPs07:23 Compliance and Regulatory Considerations09:06 Operationalizing SOPs15:58 Reviewing and Updating SOPs29:51 Hiring and Training Best Practices38:28 Final Thoughts and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast