7 Tips for a Secure Cannabis Facility and Compliance

To secure a cannabis facility and stay compliant with state regulations, you need seven core measures: a 24/7 alarm and surveillance system, visitor registration and management, access control for restricted areas, physical perimeter barriers, thorough documentation, employee security training, and regular security plan reviews. Non-compliance can result in fines, license suspension, or revocation.

These seven tips are covered in detail below:

1. Install a Security Alarm System and 24/7 Video Surveillance
2. Implement a way to register and manage visitors
3. Control access and securely lock limited-access areas
4. Establish physical barriers to secure perimeter access
5. Maintain good documentation
6. Train employees and foster a culture of honesty and security
7. Regularly review and update your security plan and protocols

Cannabis Legalization and the Regulatory Landscape in the U.S.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has garnered significant attention in recent years as several states in the United States have legalized its use for medical and/or recreational purposes. However, cannabis cultivation, distribution, and possession remain illegal under federal law. The federal government has classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug, which means that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This creates a complex regulatory landscape surrounding the industry.

In order to obtain the necessary licenses and permits, companies must comply with all the relevant local, state, and federal regulations. The rules also vary depending on your business category: Cultivation, Dispensaries/Retail, and Manufacturing Edibles.

Why Cannabis Businesses Face Unique Security Risks

The legalization of cannabis in the United States has led to the emergence of a new industry, but it has also created unique security concerns for cannabis businesses. Due to this, regulations on security measures are being strictly implemented by states.

Key reasons security is critical for cannabis facilities:

• The cannabis industry faces unique security risks, including theft, burglary, and employee misconduct, due to the high value of cannabis products and the fact that the industry operates primarily in cash.
• Compliance with security regulations is mandatory and non-compliance could lead to fines and restrictions, suspension, or even revocation of your cannabis business license. The range of penalties depends on mitigating and aggravating circumstances.
• Implementing robust security measures can help you create a safe and secure environment to protect your employees, customers, and assets.

7 Security Measures Every Cannabis Facility Must Implement

With so many complicated rules at the federal and state level, it can be overwhelming for businesses to keep up. The value of cannabis also poses a lot of threats to the industry. Here are tips to help you secure your premises and comply with the most common security requirements of states for cannabis businesses.

Install a 24/7 Security Alarm System and Video Surveillance

Install a security system to notify and record incidents. Security alarms and 24/7 video surveillance are mandatory and are a crucial aspect of security in cannabis businesses. Ensure that the video cameras are placed visibly in all areas from entry and exit points to limited access areas. The footage must be of high quality and capable of capturing the identity of all individuals and activities in the monitored areas.

In an interview with Cannabis Business Times, the founder and CEO of CannaGuard Security emphasized that to effectively prevent break-ins, security systems must prioritize early detection. This is critical because it is common for criminals to observe a building first to gauge the level of response they receive.

Requirements for your surveillance system:

• Proper functioning and maintenance at all times
• Real-time failure notifications that alert management of any interruption in surveillance or storage
• Active monitoring of your security alarm system
• High-quality footage capable of identifying individuals

Register and Manage All Visitors With a Digital System

Establish and implement a sign-in and sign-out process for all persons accessing your premises, including authorized persons, suppliers, and visitors. To enhance your security, you must have visibility over people entering and leaving your facility. Visitors must be reasonably monitored and some states might require visitors to be escorted at all times by an employee.

A visitor log must contain at minimum:

• Name of the visitor
• Date and time of arrival and departure
• Purpose of the visit
• Identification badges (required in most states for both employees and visitors)

Vizito can help you register and track people entering your premises and ultimately improve the safety and security of your facility. See how our visitor management system can cover your needs and requirements and sign up for our 14-day free trial.

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Control Access and Lock Limited-Access Areas With Commercial-Grade Security

Limited-access areas are where cannabis or cannabis products are grown, stored, or held. This may include your storage, cultivation, or manufacturing facility. State regulations require these areas to be protected by a commercial-grade lock and specially designed to prevent diversion, theft, and loss.

Access should be limited to authorized personnel and visitors must be escorted through these areas. You can install a card-based access control system to deter unauthorized entrance and likewise, ensure you have security alarm and surveillance systems in place in these restricted access areas.

Establish Physical Barriers to Protect the Facility Perimeter

Securing the perimeter of the facility is essential to prevent unauthorized access. Install fencing, gates, and other barriers to secure the perimeter of the facility. This is applicable to both indoor and outdoor facilities.

Install heavy-duty rolling security doors that are tamper-resistant and stronger than standard garage doors. They provide high-end security at loading docks and limit access to restricted areas inside. These doors can protect your facility and avoid damaged products turning into substantial financial losses.

You might opt for security doors that do not disrupt the interior design of your shop or dispensary. For your cultivation, warehouse, or manufacturing facilities, there is no need to conceal these doors. In fact, their visibility indicates restricted access areas and highlights the security measures taken to protect these facilities.

Maintain Accurate Records of Security Plans, Incidents, and Surveillance

Accurate record-keeping is essential for compliance with state regulations. Cannabis businesses are required to maintain accurate and comprehensive records of:

• Security plans
• Security incidents
• Employee training records
• Access control logs
• Video surveillance footage

All video surveillance records must be securely stored in an area only accessible to management or staff. All records and documentation should be made available upon request of state authorities.

Train Employees on Security Protocols and Incident Reporting

Employees should be informed of the security protocols in place to avoid theft, loss, and criminal activity. They should be well-trained in what they have to do in case incidents happen.

Employees should be encouraged to report security incidents or concerns. The key is to deter crime, so incentivize and recognize employees who practice safe and secure behavior.

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Review and Update Your Security Plan to Match Changing Regulations

Make sure you understand and stay up-to-date with your local state regulations to ensure full compliance and avoid any violations. Regularly review and revise your security measures to adapt to changes in the industry and regulations. Conduct periodic security audits to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities.

Cannabis businesses in the USA are subject to strict security regulations that require businesses to have comprehensive security systems in place to protect against theft and diversion and ensure employee safety. A well-designed and regularly updated security plan is essential for any cannabis business to operate successfully in this highly regulated industry.

Vizito is a simple and easy-to-use visitor management system for your business. Start a 14-day trial to test out all our features and see if it fits your company’s needs. Book a demo or chat with us to discuss your requirements.

Got more questions? These are the 7 most common questions about digital visitor management - and our answers.