Since its inception, the medical marijuana industry has presented unique challenges. The licensing and permit procedures for establishing a medical marijuana facility are stringent in most states. Even the act of determining where a facility can be placed, which involves state authorities and city planning offices, is exceedingly difficult.
A report from New Frontier Data, a firm that researches emerging markets, indicated that the legal cannabis industry will create over 250,000 new jobs by 2020. The industry is also expected to top $20.2 billion in 2021. Growing facilities and medical dispensaries will start appearing throughout New England and in parts of the country where medical marijuana is legal. As more states move to legalize medical marijuana, the process of establishing a facility may become more efficient.
In the meantime, growing facilities, processing facilities, and medical dispensaries still need network infrastructures like other businesses. Each facility will require its own unique network design. Depending on the facility, a network must be able to support transaction data, inventory management, logistics, web conferencing, security measures, and indoor environmental operations for growing.
Growing Facilities
Large and small scale growing facilities have been in the works in Massachusetts since medical marijuana became legal in 2012. This number can be expected to increase. The recreational use of marijuana became legal in 2016 and may become legal throughout New England and elsewhere. Both large and small growing facilities need network services to monitor their operations, conduct business, communicate, and enhance safety:
- High bandwidth internet solutions
- Wireless internet solutions
- Cloud-based services
- Audio and web conferencing
- Server closets
- Security
- Fireproofing
Indoor growing facilities have multiple conditioning systems that may need to be controlled by computers, including irrigation systems, humidification systems, and intense lighting.
Processing Facilities
Processing facilities are where consumables and other products are created from raw plant materials. They usually contain kitchens, laboratory set-ups, offices, and receiving areas. Processing facilities can range from small, independent operations to large tech-driven facilities. They require network solutions to track inventory, communicate, trace their products, and upload data to meet compliance standards:
- High bandwidth internet solutions
- Equipment networking
- Server closets
- Cloud-based services
- Security
- Fireproofing
Because of the materials used in marijuana processing, some of which is flammable, these types of facilities often need to meet stringent safety requirements. Network infrastructure professionals can fireproof facilities during network installation to help facilities meet such standards.
Dispensaries
Medical marijuana dispensaries are the face the industry. They are often located in public areas. This increases the need for enhanced security systems. As a physical point of sale for medicinal marijuana products, dispensaries can become a target for criminals. Today’s security systems are integrated with a facility’s network architecture, allowing operators to store surveillance data off-site or on a central server:
- High bandwidth internet solutions
- Building access control systems
- IP surveillance
- Fireproofing
- Server closets
- Digital signage
Visible surveillance systems act as a deterrent against theft and robbery. Facility access control systems create an audit trail of employees entering and leaving the building, which protects against internal threats.
Install a Network To Aid In Compliance
Most of the activities associated with the medical marijuana industries are still considered criminal at the federal level, even though many states have legitimized the industry. Putting a network in place to monitor inventory, track the movement of products, and maintain security is essential to meeting the stringent compliance requirements of states where medical marijuana is legalized.
Many industry professionals are urging others to use the same technology infrastructures and enterprise systems that other businesses rely on. Network infrastructure is a vital component of any business facility. Look for a proven partner to design and install your facility’s network so you’ll be prepared to face the challenges of the growing and evolving medical marijuana industry.
KTS, Inc.
41R Elm St. Unit B
Stoneham, MA 02180
