Retail Cannabis Security

Retail Cannabis Security Solutions

Cannabis dispensaries are at elevated risks of both internal and external theft compared to many other types of retailers. This heightened risk stems from the valuable nature of their products, coupled with the existence of a well-established black market where stolen goods can be easily converted into cash. Recognizing these challenges, regulatory authorities, particularly in New York State, require significant security standards to be followed for cannabis dispensary operations and failure to follow by an operator can result in significant enforcement penalties.

Are you in compliance?

New York State requires retail cannabis dispensaries and lab growing facilities to have a very detailed and specific security plan as part of the licensing process. Part of this security plan must include details of the facilities electronic security system and licensees are required to utilize COMMERCIAL GRADE EQUIPMENT. Shepherd Communication and Security has the planning and deployment experience along with the right technology to help guide you through these specifications to ensure that you are meeting the regulating authority’s compliance requirements.

What are the Components of a Cannabis Dispensary Security System?

A cannabis dispensary security system must include:

Security Cameras

Security cameras are a key foundation of the dispensary security system and are required by the regulating agency to be deployed in every location. Not only are they critical to the security plan but the cameras are required to meet specific requirements:

Ability to produce on demand a clear COLOR still photo of the captured scene.
Produce CONTINUOUS recordings during hours of operation and at ANY time cannabis products are handled, moved or stowed.
Ability to provide remote access - login credentials for IMMEDIATE viewing by the Office of Cannabis Mgt or an authorized representative upon request.
All recordings MUST be retained for at least 60 days.
Onsite battery backup system must allow for 8 HOURS of continuous system run time in the event of a power outage.

Access Control and Perimeter Security

Dispensaries are strongly recommended to deploy and electronic Access Control systems vs standard lock and key. Access control systems are specifically designed to provide for limited entry by authorized personnel to the sensitive areas of the operation, ensuring enhanced security and complete audit trail support.

Perimeter security must be installed by a licensed professional and be actively monitored 24x7x365 by a third party central station alarm monitoring service. This critical system which is integral to the cannabis dispensary’s overall security system allows for immediate alert and response by authorities in the event of a break in or robbery event via hidden duress buttons, storage area shock – vibration sensors, retail floor motion and glass-break detectors as well as traditional door and window entry sensors.

Additional Measures to Meet Compliance

All security systems deployed on premise need to remain operational during a power outage for a minimum of 8 hours.
Operators must keep all locks, storage and security equipment in full operating order and shall test - inspect such equipment at regular intervals, not to exceed 30 days calendar days from the previous inspection and test.
Records of inspection tests must be maintained and made available to regulatory authorities upon request.
Access to security equipment must be restricted, auditable and all on-site surveillance review rooms shall remain securely locked. The operator - licensee is required to furnish regulatory agencies with an up-to-date list of individuals with access to the surveillance room or equipment upon request.