5 Steps for Increasing Marijuana Dispensary Security

After the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana, security became a primary concern for dispensaries, processing plants, and other facilities. Robberies occurred in states like Colorado and California, leading to calls for increased security for both premises and personnel.

Dispensaries are targeted by dishonest individuals because they are often forced to run their business as cash-only. It can be difficult for licensed marijuana businesses to acquire the types of banking services that facilitate credit and debit card acceptance. Marijuana is still banned by Congress on the Federal level, which makes banks reluctant to do business with dispensaries. That means large quantities of cash must be kept at dispensaries before it can be transferred to a more secure location.

Some banks are opening their doors, however. In March of 2016, three hundred banks were reportedly working with the marijuana industry, compared to just fifty-one in March of 2014. In the meantime, the presence of security measures can act as a deterrent to criminals. One study by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte indicated that 83% of burglars would try to determine if there were security measures before attempting a burglary, and 60% would move on if security measures were present.

In order to implement security measures for your marijuana dispensary, you should work with communications infrastructure professionals. Today’s security systems operate using internet protocol and are tied into a facility’s network infrastructure. Here are five steps for increasing marijuana dispensary security:

• High-tech video surveillance
• Business access control systems
• Secure cash vault systems
• Outdoor security solutions
• Security personnel

1. Video Surveillance

High-resolution cameras operating over Internet Protocol guarantee a better picture of perpetrators if there is a robbery, burglary, or theft incident at your dispensary. This makes it easier for law enforcement to track down the individuals in question. Most importantly, the presence of cameras acts as a deterrent to a criminal act occurring in the first place. Make sure cameras are clearly visible both inside and outside of your facility. Surveillance records can be safely saved and archived on a computer system.

2. Business Access Control Systems

Business access control systems include electronic locking mechanisms and door access devices. These devices create an audit trail for employees entering and leaving a facility, which prevents and helps you track internal threats. Using keypads, biometric scanners, credential cards, or a combination thereof, you can use access control systems to eliminate the risks of lost or stolen keys.

Electronic locks ensure a facility can be placed on lockdown when there is an emergency. They also make it more difficult for burglars and other criminals to break into your facility. You can tie your access control system into your central network to monitor and control each door from a central location.

3. Secure Cash Vault Systems

If the licensed marijuana industry continues to be cash dependent, you should invest in a secure cash vault system. Secure vaults are virtually impenetrable and immovable. They can be secured by keypad code, biometrics, or a credential card. Some vaults are welded in place to avoid being taken. To take advantage of the security offered by a vault system, you should create processes for securing cash regularly throughout each day.

Arrange regular cash pickups, preferably daily, to ensure no cash is kept at the facility overnight. Implementing a secure vault system can decrease your risk of monetary loss. Securing cash in a separate location decreases the risk of burglary during off hours.

4. Outdoor Security Systems

Outdoor security systems include surveillance cameras, motion-sensitive lighting, and alarm systems, among other devices. Outdoor surveillance cameras should be visible as a deterrent, but they also need to be vandal-proof and weatherproof. All outdoor security systems should be integrated into your facility’s network so that data and recordings can be accessed and stored remotely.

5. Security Personnel

Many marijuana dispensaries, grow facilities, and processing plants keep security personnel on staff or contract personnel from security companies. Visible personnel act as a strong deterrent to criminals. They can even act as a liaison with law enforcement and make customers feel safer.

Partner with Professionals for Technical Security Means

Surveillance cameras, door access control units, and other security systems can be installed by the same professionals that design and implement your facility’s communications network. Security products fit into your facility’s network architecture. Your network infrastructure partner can do an audit of your facility, help you determine your security needs, and test your systems to ensure they are operating at peak efficiency.