Things to Know Before Touring a Cannabis Cultivator

There are many reasons to visit or tour a cannabis cultivator, but visitors often do not know what to expect since the cannabis industry is still young. Visitors to a cannabis cultivator may include regulatory officials, industry professionals, or vendors and tours are becoming common in states like Colorado. Tours of cannabis cultivators are a great way to become educated on the cultivation process and the industry and are popular among cannabis enthusiasts and tourists alike. Regardless of reason, visitors should be aware of potential security and safety policies at the facility.

Visitor Security

Prior to visiting or touring a cannabis cultivator, visitors must often receive permission from the business and/or regulators. While on the visit or tour, visitors will typically identify themselves on the premises using a photo identification badge. In some cases, this photo identification badge will also serve as an access control key card that will interact with the access control system to keep records of the visitor’s presence in the facility. Visitors are not allowed to take photos or videos of areas containing cannabis or security devices but may be allowed to take pictures in the front of the facility depending on the business.

Before visitors can enter the facility’s gate or limited access areas, visitors must sign in with the receptionist or check-in desk. Visitors will need their government-issued identification card so that the cannabis cultivator can verify their identity and ensure they are over 21 years of age. It will also typically be necessary to sign into a “visitor’s log” which will record time of arrival/departure, affiliated company, and reason for visit among other things.

Visitor Safety

Visitors should dress appropriately when touring a cannabis cultivator and should ensure that they are dressed for outdoor environments (when necessary) and wear the appropriate footwear. Since it may be necessary to put on disposable shoe covers before entering cultivation areas, visitors should opt for close-toed, flat-bottom shoes rather than sandals or heels. Bouffant caps or head covers may also be required, so visitors with long hair should be prepared to tie their hair back if necessary. Lab coats, disposable jumpsuits, protective goggles, or other personal protective equipment (PPE) may also be required depending on the policies of the cannabis cultivator.

Visiting or Touring a Cannabis Cultivator

During the tour, visitors should be prepared to encounter a variety of environments. Tours of a cannabis cultivator may go both outdoors and indoors, and indoor environments can vary greatly. Some rooms inside of a cannabis cultivator will be intensely bright to replicate daylight, while other rooms are dark to imitate night. Visitors are typically not allowed to touch or consume cannabis while on the premises.

When visiting an outdoor cannabis cultivator, it is best to go during the growing season from spring through fall. The time of year is less important when visiting an indoor cannabis cultivator where it is likely to see cannabis plants in different stages of the growing cycle that vary in height and size. Since cannabis has such a strong odor, this will be probably be apparent during the tour or visit. Depending on the cannabis cultivator, the operation may occur in a single building or in multiple buildings and fields across a large property.

It is worth visiting a cannabis cultivator to learn more about the history, life cycle, and benefits of cannabis. Unlike a dispensary which operates similarly to other high-risk retail stores, cannabis cultivators run an operation that is unique to other business models and is interesting to see up close. So next time you’re in a state where cannabis is legal, put on your walking shoes and tour a cannabis cultivator!

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 cannabis security consulting services to ensure your cannabis security is efficient and effective. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with current cannabis security news and trends!