Apr 30, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Cannabis Cultivation Facility in Canada?
Recreational Facility
Licenced Producer
Micro Cultivation
Starting a legal cannabis cultivation facility in Canada is one of the most exciting business ventures in the evolving cannabis industry. Whether you’re planning to launch a micro-cultivation facility or a full-scale commercial grow, understanding your startup costs is crucial to your success.
At 4trees Cannabis Building Ltd., we specialize in turnkey cannabis cultivation solutions. From design and licensing to full build-outs and ongoing facility management, we help you every step of the way. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what it really costs to start a cannabis cultivation facility in Canada, tailored for 2025 and beyond.
Planning Your Facility: Micro, Standard, or Custom?
Before we dive into costs, it’s important to define what type of facility you’re building. Here’s a quick comparison:
Micro-Cultivation: Up to 200 m² of canopy space
Standard Cultivation: Unlimited canopy, more complex builds
Processing or Extraction Add-ons: May be included in buildout
Your total cost will depend heavily on whether you’re building from raw land, renovating an existing building, or fitting out a leased space.
Cost Breakdown: What to Expect
1. Construction & Build Type
Build Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
Raw Land (Ground-Up) | $150–$250 per sq. ft. |
Renovation | $80–$150 per sq. ft. |
Leased Shell Fit-Out | $60–$100 per sq. ft. |
These prices include walling, PVC paneling, HVAC-D, lighting framework, electrical upgrades, security measures, and environmental prep.
2. Grow Equipment Package
For a well-equipped 6,000 sq. ft. cannabis facility, you can expect:
High-quality LED lighting systems
HVAC-D setup for precision environment control
CO2 systems, dehumidifiers, and fertigation
Benching, irrigation, and security
Estimated Cost: $400,000 – $500,000
3. Planning & Engineering Services
At 4trees, our expert team provides:
CAD drawings & engineered floorplans
Room-by-room system design
HVAC-D, lighting, fertigation, and environmental planning
Estimated Cost: $2.50/sq. ft. × 6,000 sq. ft. = $15,000
4. Business Plan & SOP Development
To help with investor readiness and Health Canada compliance, we provide:
Investor-grade cannabis business plans
Customized SOPs tailored to your facility
Estimated Cost: $3,000
5. Licensing & CTLS Support
Health Canada requires a fully built, compliant facility before licensing. We offer:
CTLS navigation & application support
Security clearance help
Site evidence video walkthrough planning
Response handling to Health Canada queries
Estimated Cost: $25,000