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
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
Preventing Negligent Security on Your Property
Negligent security can occur at any business and can cause serious risk to the safety and security of customers, employees, and other individuals on the property. Should a criminal incident occur on the property, the ownership and management of the property could be held liable for not ensuring sufficient security to prevent the criminal act from occurring. Additionally, businesses can …
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 …
Armed Robbery Response for Retailers
While any retailer can become a victim of an armed robbery, some businesses are more at risk. These businesses are often referred to as “high risk” businesses due to their valuable inventory and large amounts of currency on hand, such as pawn shops, cannabis businesses, and jewelry stores. Proactively preparing for an armed robbery is one of the best ways …
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 …
Video Analytics for Cannabis Businesses
Most cannabis businesses are already equipped with video surveillance cameras, either for regulatory compliance or added security. Surveillance cameras are great for deterring crime, monitoring facilities, and investigating incidences, but their use is even more beneficial when combined with video analytics. Video analytics for cannabis businesses provide valuable insights that lead to smarter business decisions and increased security, all while making …