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.
Scaling Up Without Breaking the Bank
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.
Grow Up, Not Out: The Power of Vertical Farming
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:
- Better environmental control — Dial in the perfect lighting, heating, and ventilation to keep plants thriving.
- Lower costs — Less wasted space means reduced energy use, lower labor costs, and more efficient operations.
- Tighter security — Solid walls, ceilings, and surveillance keep your crops protected and compliant.
- Smarter water use — Dehumidifiers and air handlers recycle water, cutting down on waste and keeping things sustainable.
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.
Why Cultivators Choose the GROW System
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:
- More plants, less space — Expand up to 30 feet high to fit more in your existing growing room.
- Better plant health — Optimized airflow and lighting help reduce mold, mildew, and pest issues.
- Lower climate control costs — Less wasted space means less energy spent on heating, cooling, and ventilation.
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.
- Harvest, transport, and dry in one seamless process — no extra handling.
- Easily adjust for different plant sizes with modular racks and catch trays.
- Maximize drying capacity without needing any extra floor space.
Plus, it's easier on your team. These systems are designed to improve ergonomics, making plant care, harvesting, and processing less physically demanding.
Beyond the Grow Room: Storage for Dispensaries & Labs
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.
Dispensary Shelving That Grows With Your Business
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:
- Keep flower, oils, and edibles secure and in compliance
- Adapt shelving to fit new product lines without sacrificing organization
- Maintain a clean, professional display while optimizing backroom storage
Storage Solutions for Testing Labs
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.
Scaling Up? We've Got You Covered
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.
