Cannabis dispensaries need security guards to ensure the safety of their employees, customers, and products. Security guards can provide a visible presence to deter potential criminals and help ensure that only those with legitimate businesses enter the establishment. They can also monitor the premises for suspicious activity and provide surveillance. Security guards are also able to respond quickly in the event of an emergency, such as a robbery or fire.
Understanding the Security Needs of Cannabis Dispensaries
Cannabis dispensaries and other marijuana facilities across the country understand the significance of having a robust security system in place. Nowadays, more and more operations are opting to hire dispensary security guards to provide better protection in the following areas.
Safeguarding their product
Legal and black-market cannabis are both highly profitable ventures. Some dealers view dispensaries as a source of medical-grade stock that they can sell for a significant profit. By having a security team on-site, you can deter them from attempting to steal your product and use it for their own benefit.
Protecting their finances
Since marijuana is not federally legal, many banks refuse to do business with cannabis operations. As a result, many dispensaries have a large amount of cash on their premises, which potential thieves are aware of. Once again, having dispensary security guards can make potential threats think twice about targeting your dispensary for a quick payday.
Ensuring the safety of their people
Your business cannot function without your well-trained staff and enthusiastic customers. By providing round-the-clock live security guards, you can ensure that they feel safe and secure when they visit your facility.
Risks and Challenges for Cannabis Dispensaries
Cannabis dispensaries are confronted with a myriad of risks and challenges that necessitate robust security measures. One of the primary risks stems from the high-value nature of cannabis products, making dispensaries attractive targets for theft and burglary. Criminal elements may view these establishments as lucrative opportunities for illicit gains, posing a significant threat to the dispensary’s inventory and financial assets. Additionally, the cash-intensive nature of the cannabis industry further exacerbates the risk of criminal activity, as dispensaries often handle substantial amounts of cash transactions.
Three critical risks that impact cannabis companies are:
- Theft
- Product Tampering
- Adjusting to Compliance Regulations
1. Theft: In-store
In-transit, and Insider Theft poses a significant risk to cannabis companies, making them particularly vulnerable to both internal and external theft.
- In-Store Theft
Similar to other retail businesses, in-store theft remains a constant concern for day-to-day operations. Shoplifting, robberies, and break-ins are unfortunate realities, but implementing well-designed floor plans, comprehensive employee training, and robust security protocols can help mitigate these risks.
- In-Transit Theft
When cannabis is in transit, an additional layer of security is crucial. Whether it’s the movement of products from suppliers to retailers or from retailers to consumers, the risk of in-transit theft is high. This type of theft can lead to illicit black market sales or even product tampering, posing serious consequences.
- Insider Theft
Internal theft accounts for the majority of theft incidents within cannabis companies. Employees, due to their easy access to products, knowledge of business operations, and ability to process discounts, are often the main culprits. Shockingly, in a market as substantial as Colorado’s $700 million industry, employee theft alone amounts to approximately 2-3% of that revenue, highlighting the significance of this issue.
2. Product Tampering
Product tampering poses a significant threat to cannabis companies. It is crucial for businesses to ensure that their products comply with the standards set by the country or location where they operate. Tampered products can cause physical harm to customers, which is a serious health risk. Moreover, it can damage the reputation of the company, leading to a loss of customer trust. In the highly competitive cannabis industry, losing customer trust can have a significant impact on the growth and revenue of the business. Therefore, it is essential for cannabis companies to prioritize customer safety and maintain their trust.
3. Adjusting to Compliance Regulations
Compliance regulations are crucial for any business, especially in the cannabis industry where regulations vary depending on location. Regulators are vigilant in ensuring that cannabis companies comply with industry regulations. Failure to comply can have a significant impact on the business, as seen in the case of CannTrust. Non-compliance led to a dip in stock prices and the loss of their license to sell and produce cannabis. To regain their license, CannTrust developed a remediation strategy to address their non-compliance issues. It is essential for cannabis businesses to adjust and adhere to compliance regulations to avoid similar consequences.
- Ensuring that cannabis is only produced and distributed as authorised, including measures to control cannabis movement into and out of CannTrust’s site;
- Obtaining cannabis that was not permitted by CannTrust’s licence;
- Improving key personnel’s understanding and compliance with the Act’s and Regulations’ provisions that apply to CannTrust; and
- Improving record-keeping practices, including an inventory-tracking plan and any interim measures to ensure that information is provided to the Health facility.
Importance of Security Guards for Cannabis Dispensaries
The role of security guards in cannabis dispensaries cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of the premises. Security guards serve as a visible deterrent to potential criminals, effectively discouraging illicit activities and enhancing the overall security posture of the dispensary. Their presence not only instills a sense of safety and reassurance among employees and customers but also signals to would-be perpetrators that the establishment is actively protected.
Moreover, security guards are trained to respond to security incidents and emergencies, mitigating potential threats and minimizing the impact of adverse events. Their ability to swiftly address security breaches, disturbances, or unauthorized activities is instrumental in maintaining a secure environment within the dispensary. By proactively identifying and addressing security concerns, security guards contribute to the prevention of criminal activities and the preservation of a safe and secure setting for dispensary operations.
Security Measures Beyond Security Guards
While security guards are integral to the protection of cannabis dispensaries, implementing additional security measures can further fortify the overall security posture of the establishment. One such measure is the installation of comprehensive surveillance systems, including high-definition cameras, recording equipment, and monitoring capabilities. Surveillance systems not only act as a deterrent to criminal activities but also provide valuable evidence in the event of security incidents or regulatory violations.
Access control systems, such as electronic key card entry and biometric authentication, contribute to the secure management of entry points and restricted areas within the dispensary. By limiting access to authorized personnel and implementing stringent access control measures, dispensaries can mitigate the risk of unauthorized entry and enhance the overall security of their premises. Additionally, alarm systems and intrusion detection technologies offer proactive alerts and notifications in response to security breaches, enabling rapid responses and interventions to safeguard the dispensary.
Furthermore, physical security enhancements, such as reinforced doors, shatter-resistant glass, and secure storage facilities, bolster the structural integrity of the dispensary against potential threats. These measures serve as critical barriers to unauthorized entry and protect the dispensary’s assets and inventory from theft or vandalism. By implementing a multi-layered approach to security that extends beyond security guards, cannabis dispensaries can create a robust and resilient security framework that mitigates risks and safeguards their operations.
Legal and Compliance Considerations for Cannabis Dispensary Security
The security of cannabis dispensaries is intricately linked to legal and compliance considerations, necessitating a thorough understanding of the regulatory landscape and industry-specific requirements. State and local regulations impose stringent security mandates on dispensaries to prevent unauthorized access, diversion of products, and ensure the safety of employees and customers. Compliance with these regulations is essential for maintaining operational licenses, avoiding penalties, and upholding the integrity of the dispensary’s operations.
Moreover, adherence to security and surveillance requirements is a fundamental aspect of regulatory compliance for cannabis dispensaries. State regulations often dictate the specifications for surveillance systems, including camera placement, recording duration, and data retention policies. Dispensaries must ensure full compliance with these specifications to meet regulatory standards and provide comprehensive security coverage of their premises. Additionally, maintaining accurate records of security incidents, access logs, and surveillance footage is imperative for demonstrating compliance and resolving any regulatory inquiries.
Conclusion:
Cannabis dispensaries need security guards to ensure the safety of their employees, customers, and products, as they face risks such as theft, product tampering, and compliance regulations. Security guards serve as a visible deterrent to potential criminals, while additional security measures such as surveillance systems, access control systems, and physical security enhancements can further fortify the overall security posture of the establishment. Legal and compliance considerations are also essential for maintaining operational licenses and upholding the integrity of the dispensary’s operations.