For cannabis and hemp cultivators, success comes down to one thing: maximizing yields. The more product they can grow — efficiently and affordably — the stronger their bottom line. But as competition heats up, growers need more efficient solutions to stay ahead. That's where commercial grow racks and vertical storage come in.
The cannabis industry is booming. In 2023, the U.S. market was valued at $33.6 billion, with over 12,000 dispensaries nationwide and more than 440,000 full-time jobs supporting the industry. And with legislation expanding, those numbers are only expected to grow.
Hemp production is also on the rise. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, licensed hemp cultivation is now legal across all 50 states. With its seeds, fibers, and extracts (all containing less than 0.3% THC) used in everything from food to textiles, hemp is no longer on the controlled substances list. That means more opportunities — and more competition — for growers looking to scale effectively.
Legalization has fueled rapid industry growth, but it's not without challenges. Oversupply has driven prices down, forcing cannabis and hemp growers to rethink their operations. To stay profitable, many are looking for ways to increase grow space while keeping costs in check.
With indoor cannabis grow operations costing between $325 and $650 per square foot to start, it's clear why growers are turning to vertical grow solutions. Expanding upward with commercial grow racks allows producers to maximize yield without the steep real estate costs of expanding outward.
When it comes to cultivation, space is money. The more plants you can grow in a controlled environment, the better your yields and your bottom line. But with real estate costs soaring, expanding outward isn't always an option. That's why vertical growing systems are changing the game.
Growing up instead of out brings some serious advantages:
One of the best ways to go vertical? Commercial grow racks like the GROW Mobile System. Unlike standard grow tables, these high-density mobile shelving units eliminate wasted aisles, letting you pack in more plants without sacrificing access.
When space is tight, you've got two options: expand out or grow up. That's where the GROW Mobile System comes in. By eliminating wasted aisles, it lets you stack your crops higher, increasing your plant count without taking up more square footage. Whether you're growing medical cannabis, hemp, or specialty crops, this system helps you scale efficiently while keeping everything within easy reach.
Going vertical with multi-tiered commercial grow racks makes a real difference:
And once it's time to harvest, the work doesn't stop. The GROW Drying System helps preserve THC and terpenes by keeping handling to a minimum. Instead of moving plants between multiple drying stations, they stay on the same carts, racks, and mobile carriages from harvest to cure — cutting down on labor and reducing the risk of quality loss.
Plus, it's easier on your team. These systems are designed to improve ergonomics, making plant care, harvesting, and processing less physically demanding.
Cannabis cultivation isn't the only part of the industry that benefits from high-density storage. Dispensaries and testing labs also need smart shelving solutions to keep products organized, secure, and compliant.
Dispensaries need pharmacy-grade, secure storage to maintain product quality and consumer trust. High-density mobile shelving helps dispensary owners maximize their footprint, keeping products neatly organized, easily accessible, and adaptable as inventory expands. With dispensary shelving, retailers can:
Labs need precision, and that starts with proper storage. High-density shelving helps maintain the chain of custody, ensuring every sample is accounted for.
With temperature-controlled stabilization and adjustable storage, labs can confidently meet ISO 17025 standards for data integrity and validation.
As cannabis operations grow, so do their storage needs. Whether it's cultivation, dispensary storage, or lab organization, Patterson Pope's shelving solutions — like the GROW Mobile System — help businesses stay efficient at every stage.
Our experts can optimize your space, ensure code compliance, and provide local maintenance to keep your operation running smoothly.