Cannabis Customer Diversion Awareness

Cannabis Customer Diversion Awareness

Customer diversion can occur at any retailer, and cannabis dispensaries are not immune. Though the increased security systems and procedures in place at a cannabis retailer make theft extremely difficult, those seeking to steal may still be attracted by the high-value cannabis. Like any business, customer diversion at a cannabis retailer could be as simple as an act of shoplifting, …

Video Surveillance for Cannabis Businesses

Video Surveillance for Cannabis Businesses

Regardless of license type, all cannabis businesses will need a video surveillance system. Like other industries, one of the main goals of the video surveillance system in a cannabis business is loss prevention. Individuals are less likely to steal when they know they are being recorded, and if they do attempt to steal, they are more likely to be caught. …

Security Expert Witnesses in the Cannabis Industry

Security Expert Witnesses in the Cannabis Industry

Cannabis businesses, especially dispensaries, are considered high-risk businesses due to the high value of the cannabis products on-site and large volume of cash. Like any high-risk businesses, cannabis businesses can be at an increased risk of incidents on the property that may result in litigation. This may include robberies, burglaries, injuries, or other incidents that occur on the premises of …

Security Technologies in the Cannabis Industry 2022

Security Technologies for the Cannabis Industry: 2022

Today’s security trends are all about multi-faceted technologies that do more than just increase safety. As the lines between digital, cyber, and physical security blur, technologies evolve to meet the needs of all three. Cannabis businesses looking to adopt 2022’s top security trends will find that each increases security while also improving operations and efficiency. Remote Accessibility The ability to remotely access security solutions …

Cannabis Business Applications: Don't Neglect Your Security Plan

Cannabis Businesses: Don’t Neglect Your Security Plan!

There are three things you should never do:1. Be your own doctor2. Be your own lawyer3. Write your own cannabis business application! I have been involved in the cannabis industry for the last eight years and have seen many businesses and entrepreneurs with a strong desire to enter this industry. Some want to cultivate and distribute cannabis, while others want …

Safety and Security for Cannabis Consumption Lounges

Security and Safety for Cannabis Consumption Lounges

Though consumption lounges are unlike other cannabis business license types in that they allow customers to consume cannabis on-site, they can still fall victim to many of the same security risks as dispensaries, cultivation facilities, and other high-risk businesses. Additionally, cannabis consumption lounges have their own set of unique security challenges in order to prevent over-consumption and ensure customer safety.  …

Best Practices for Security Floor Plan Design

Best Practices for Security Floor Plan Design

A cannabis security floor plan serves as an artistic rendering of a facility’s layout and includes the location of all applicable security solutions. Security floor plans are an essential component for many cannabis business applications prior to build-out. For cannabis retail, processing, and cultivation facilities, a well-designed cannabis floor plan communicates that the applicant has reviewed every angle for which …

Challenges in the California Cannabis Industry

Challenges in the California Cannabis Industry

Despite being one of the oldest legal markets in the country, California’s cannabis industry is still going through major changes. In July 2021, the state established the Department of Cannabis Control by consolidating the authority of three former state cannabis authorities: the Bureau of Cannabis Control, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of Public Health. Since then, state regulations …

Cannabis Business Applications

Strategies for Merit-Based vs. Pass/Fail Cannabis Business Applications

Without a national program, cannabis business applications vary widely. While states like Illinois and Missouri license cannabis businesses through a state-wide program, states like California and New Jersey are allowing municipalities to run their own licensing processes. In addition to differences in state and municipal programs, there is no standard application format. This means almost every application is unique with …

An Update on Cannabis in New York

An Update on Cannabis in New York

The State of New York is making progress toward legalizing recreational cannabis sales, with almost 40% of municipalities opting in, including all five boroughs of New York City. Many municipalities have opted out, however, and the state’s regulatory framework has yet to be finalized. Despite this, if regulators stay on track, licensing will begin soon and legal sales will begin …