In recent years hemp has, once again, been removed from the Agricultural Improvement of 2018, also known as the “Farm Bill”. This amendment removed the hemp plant and its seeds and derivatives from the Controlled Substance Act. Hemp products can only legally contain three tenths one of percent (0.3%) THC, resulting in a non-intoxicating product, unlike the other varieties of cannabis. Hemp products with a concentration above 0.3% THC become regulated as marijuana.
From the beginning
Since hemp has a long history and has been cultivated for over 10,000 years, it has developed many uses for items like clothing, cosmetics, paper, foods, and many more. That being said, hemp has become extremely popular among states across the U.S.
As with other derivatives of cannabis or marijuana, hemp comes with regulations in regard to growing, selling or processing, depending on the state. Currently, 22 states have passed laws regulating industrial hemp for their departments of agriculture, while 47 states have enacted legislation to establish hemp productions programs or allow for hemp cultivation research. Similarly to cannabis, hemp rules and regulations may differ between cities and states.
Regulations and Requirements
In Texas, for example, you must obtain a license prior to any growing. The state requires background checks, with no eligibility of a license if you’ve been convicted of controlled substances within the last 10 years. The applicant must pass a mandatory orientation course required by the Department of Agriculture as well as have a physical location ready for growing hemp.
Hemp applications typically require documentation like business, cultivation, manufacturing, inventory control, product labeling and packaging, product safety, and security plans. Depending on where you’re located, you may be required to provide the interior and exterior security plans for your facility. Interior security may include the familiar alarm system requirements like door contacts, motion detection, hold-up buttons, cameras and an access control system.
Securing the Perimeter
Limiting access where necessary may protect unwanted intruders like thieves who, unfortunately, mistaken your hemp for cannabis. Although some choose to grow their hemp outdoors, growing indoors will create a visual and physical barrier for potential thieves. When growing your hemp outdoors, there are a few ways to protect your crop. For example, it’s best to plant away from roads, protecting any clear view to what you are producing.
Surrounding your perimeter with fences, tree lines, and large bushes can help obscure your hemp crop from an outsider’s view. Fencing can act as a physical barrier, preventing unwanted visitors from gaining access to your facility.
Growing indoors or in a greenhouse will have its obstacles as well. Depending on the location of your facility, a security specialist or integrator with experience in hemp and cannabis should do a thorough site assessment, pointing out all points of vulnerability.
Providing signage for warning and trespassing notices may also discourage unwanted intrusion. By placing signs alerting potential thieves stating something similar to “YOU ARE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY”, “YOU ARE CURRENTLY BEING RECORDED AND ILLEGAL ACTIONS WILL RESULT IN PROSECUTION” or even stating that the “CROPS CONTAIN NO THC” may prevent their illegally entering into your facility.
Other ways of deterring thieves may include installing adequate lighting to discourage and prevent thefts from occurring during night hours. This can be either constant or motion activated by trespassers motion, indicating their presence has been detected. Most lighting can be either wired in or solar-powered.
Security is worth the investment
Many may be skeptical regarding security of hemp production but remember any damage or destruction done to your crop will cost you money and inconvenience. Research and development necessary to create new plant varieties often takes five or more years, resulting in damaging your investment and intellectual property. Also, any clients will have to source from elsewhere.
As with any business, it’s important to prevent direct access to your valuables. By following your state’s guidelines as well as seeking professional assistance, you will be taking proactive measures to prevent a theft from occurring.
How can Sapphire Risk help?
Tony Gallo and the team at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group has over 30 years of security experience and expertise. Take advantage of our security services and subscribe to our newsletter to learn more. Follow us on Facebook or connect with us on LinkedIn to receive further security updates.
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