What Equipment Do You Need for Your Cannabis License?
License-to-equipment mapping for California Type 6, Type 7, and more.
"I just got my license. What do I buy?"
It's the most common question new cannabis operators ask. This guide maps license types to specific equipment lists.
California Type 6 — Non-Volatile Manufacturing
Allows extraction using CO2, ethanol, or mechanical methods. Cannot use butane or propane.
Required equipment: - Extraction system (CO2 or ethanol) — $5K-$500K - OR rosin press / ice water hash setup — $500-$10K - Rotary evaporator — $3K-$50K - Recirculating chiller — $2K-$15K - Vacuum pump — $500-$10K - Filtration system — $200-$10K - Security system — $5K-$15K
Estimated budget: $50K-$250K (without CO2 system)
Facility requirements: Standard commercial space. No C1D1 room needed.
California Type 7 — Volatile Manufacturing
Most permissive license. Can use any extraction method including hydrocarbon.
Required equipment: - Closed-loop extractor (ASME-certified) — $10K-$100K - Recirculating chiller (-40C to -80C) — $10K-$25K - Vacuum oven — $3K-$15K - Vacuum pumps (x2+) — $2K-$10K - Gas detection system — $3K-$8K - Rotary evaporator — $5K-$50K - Jacketed reactor — $5K-$20K - Filtration system — $2K-$10K - Distillation (short path or wiped film) — $10K-$200K - Security system — $5K-$15K
Estimated budget: $150K-$500K (plus C1D1 room: $100K-$500K)
Equipment Certification Quick Reference
- ASME Section VIII Div 1: Any closed-loop extractor or pressurized reactor
- UL/ETL/NRTL: Required in Washington, recommended everywhere
- CE marking: Imported equipment (informational)
- ISO 17025: Testing laboratories
Starter Package Concepts
Type 6 Starter ($50K-$100K): 20L reactor, chiller, 20L rotovap, vacuum pump, filtration, vacuum oven.
Type 7 Starter ($150K-$300K): Closed-loop extractor, chiller, vacuum oven, 2 vacuum pumps, 20L reactor, 20L rotovap, 2L short path distillation kit, filtration.
Solventless Starter ($20K-$40K): Ice water hash machine, bubble bags, freeze dryer, rosin press.