Video Storage Options for Cannabis Businesses

Video Storage Options for Cannabis Businesses

As a cannabis business owner, there are a lot of decisions to be made regarding a facility’s security systems. While some of these decisions will be made by the regulatory authority, many will require thoroughly considering each available option. One such decision all cannabis business owners will face is where to locate the company’s video surveillance storage. Video storage can take place either on-site or remotely, with potential benefits and drawbacks to each option. Depending on the operations of the business, as well as regulatory requirements, one option or a combination of both options may be best suited for the cannabis business.

Most often, cannabis businesses choose to store their video on-site via large servers. These on-premises solutions are controlled by the cannabis business directly or their IT department. But depending on the data retention requirements and quality of the video being stored, on-site storage solutions can be expensive. On the other hand, remote cannabis video storage has grown in popularity due to enhancements in cloud technology and cybersecurity. Cloud-based video storage solutions offer more flexibility and scalability, but also come with their own set of concerns. 

On-Site Storage

In the past, on-site video storage was limited to large servers using video recording software. However, this physical storage solution requires complex software without much storage space. Today’s on-site cannabis video storage usually happens with the help of Network Video Recorders (NVRs). An NVR easily connects to the video surveillance network and records live video streams into a digital format, meaning more storage space and enhanced capabilities compared to traditional software. On-site storage solutions are also easy to install and come with the added benefit of being managed in-house. 

For some cannabis businesses, on-site video storage and management can be more of a headache than a benefit. When choosing to store video footage on-site, consider the cost of both the NVR or server as well as the added cost of protecting the physical storage devices. Most on-site storage solutions require their own security measures to prevent physical damage, theft, and tampering. Depending on the size of the recorded video files, number of deployed cameras, regulatory storage requirements, and other factors, the sheer quantity and cost of on-site storage devices adds up quick.

For example, Pennsylvania law requires cannabis companies to keep video archives for a total of four years. For a 2-megapixel camera, this could mean up to 1.87 TB of storage per year per camera. Multiply that by the number of all cameras deployed in a cannabis facility and the amount of storage space required to function becomes enormous. In this case, storing all this footage via on-site servers is likely not the most cost-effective storage solution. 

Remote Storage

Storing video footage on the cloud allows cannabis businesses to delegate video storage and management to a third-party. Remote storage solutions are not only a more cost-effective option, but also free up space and security resources that would otherwise be devoted to securing a video storage area. Cloud-based video storage also allows business to easily scale their video security up or down, meaning they only pay for the amount of storage they need. Other benefits offered by cloud storage include advanced security protections and enhanced productivity. 

But when it comes to security, some cannabis business owners may have issue with putting a third-party in charge of their recordings. Cloud storage comes with its own security risks not typically associated with on-site solutions, such as hacking, though modern cloud-storage providers have gone through extreme lengths to mitigate cyber-attacks. Remote storage solutions also require a reliable internet connection, which may be a problem for some cannabis businesses with a slow or unreliable network connection. 

Before choosing which option to use for a cannabis business, the state’s security regulations should be assessed to ensure compliance. Cannabis business owners should fully consider each option and consider consulting with a security consultant with experience in the cannabis industry to ensure the proper option is chosen for the specific business.

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Tony Gallo and the team of application writers and consultants at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group have written hundreds of video surveillance plans that incorporate advanced video storage options for cannabis business applications. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with more security best practices and cannabis industry updates!