Cannabis Security Plans

Cannabis Business Security Plan

The future’s looking bright for the cannabis market. Various states such as New York and Virginia have recently legalized recreational cannabis through their state legislature in 2021. What if you want to be part of this burgeoning industry? It is safe to say you want your investment of time, money, and hard work to pay off. However, there are aspects of running a cannabis business that you might not think of at first and if not planned correctly could cause your business plans to go up in smoke.

The one crucial cornerstone is your Cannabis Security Plan.  

What Does Cannabis Security Plans Consist of?

Based on legal requirements of current application license information and relevant to keep your cannabis business safe and prosperous, your security plan for your cannabis business can include: 

• Floor Plans and Facility Security Design
• How plan will help assist law enforcement
• Record keeping, tracking, monitoring inventory
• Criminal Activity deterrents
• Armed/Unarmed Security Guards
• Security camera for video footage surveillance
• Disposal of surplus cannabis
• Access Control System
• Storage Rooms
• Safes & Vaults
• Intrusion Alarm Security Systems
• Product Shipping & Transportation
• Demonstrating you are abiding by local and state statutes
• Cybersecurity & Protection of data

The security plan is so vital that most recently, the state of Illinois graded it as 26% of the points you receive on your application. From the state’s standpoint, security compliance is critical. A marijuana dispensary that is insecure will attract violent crime, robberies, and burglaries. It can put stolen cannabis products illegally on the market. 

When competition is intense for awarding a limited amount of licenses, having a professional security plan whether for dispensaries, grow facilities, or other types of cannabis business, can make or break your chances of being put at the top of the list. There are various examples of a limited amount of licenses being granted and many applying. We expect this to be the case in multiple situations over the next few years. 

It is not just about getting a competitive edge and losing out on your chances for a license. Generally, when you submit your application, there is a non-refundable application fee. To give an example of this, New York granted medical marijuana licenses in 2015; there were 43 applicants and five organizations chosen to be given a marijuana permit. Each applicant submitted a $10,000 application fee. Not having your cannabis dispensaries security on point can cause you to risk losing your money as well. 

Having a security plan that helps you overcome the hurdle of marijuana permits is one thing. Still, there are even more significant implications to take into account when you spend the money to allow your business to open its doors. 

Bottom line, cannabis businesses are appealing targets for criminals. If you’re in the cannabis business, you will be handling a large amount of cash and generally have a precious amount of product on inventory. The appeal of a criminal finding a way to rob or burglarize a cannabis business can be put into perspective in the following way. A convenience store robbery will usually result in a few hundred dollars for a criminal, and a bank robbery can net mid-4 figures; however, burglarizing/robbing a cannabis business can result in tens of thousands of dollars to a criminal who successfully pulls it off. Here are some examples of how a cannabis business can get hit. These hits can sometimes be in the 6-figure range. 

One Million Dollar Warehouse/Distribution Center Heist

$145,000 stolen from Cannabis Money Courier picking up cash deliveries

$100,000 Inside-Job burglary on Illinois dispensary

Recent Dispensary burglary breaking through dry-wall, concrete, and steel door of safe

Store burglarized twice in two weeks

30,000 cannabis patients had their data exposed through a software vulnerability

These robberies/burglaries can be unsophisticated or they can attract career criminals that create thorough plans. It is highly recommended to have the right security plan from the floor plans, physical security and prevention, data security, and employee training to dissuade and help prevent your business from being a target. A cannabis security system that exceeds regulations will save you money in the long run.

Cannaspire’s team includes security consultants and experts, including former police/military, digital security experts, and planning experts who understand how to create security plans that help your application, help keep you compliant, and make your business a much less likely target.