There’s no question, cannabis security is important. For compliance, for safety and for security.
Shortly after midnight, a minivan pulled into the parking lot of a cannabis facility in California through an open gate. Four individuals exited the vehicle. They returned minutes later with a couple of packed boxes, which they placed on top of the van. They added a few more stolen items to their collection before driving away.
A ECAM security operator contacted local police. The individuals returned to facility. They exited the vehicle, all wearing light colored jumpsuits over their clothes. They began to search the property again. Police arrived within minutes. Two of the suspects jumped back in the van and attempted to flee. However, officers blocked their path.
The Need for Cannabis Security
According to Medical Marijuana, Inc., legal marijuana sales will generate an estimated $1.6 billion in 2020. As the cannabis industry continues to expand, facility owners must be prepared with effective security solutions and strategies. No matter what type of property you have, whether it’s a farm, distribution center or storefront, physical security is an absolute must. Not only is it important for safety reasons, it is likely mandated by the state or province.
With that said, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the compliance restrictions and regulations for your jurisdiction. Many of the standards will include the need for:
- Video surveillance
- Video storage
- Access control
- Stringent documentation and record keeping
For the most robust solution, you should implement security measures for both the perimeter of your property as well as inside the facility. At minimum, you should consider protective lighting, signs and a good fence. Although, as you saw in the video, it’s important to keep the gate securely closed after hours.
Work with an Industry Expert
The degree to which you maintain compliance and deter crime can impact the success of your business. That’s why it’s important to work with a company who knows the ins and outs of the industry. An experienced company like ECAM, can custom-design a solution that can meet government regulations while helping to keep your investments safe. Our fully integrated, proactive solution provides:
Live Video Monitoring: to help maintain a secure environment while minimizing liability and reducing costly securityexpenses. We can watch perimeter fences, gates, inventory and other vulnerable areas.
Gate & Access Control: to get maximum security and control over who enters your facility. Manage your building activity and reduce the risk of unauthorized access, vandalism and theft.
24/7 Monitoring: to provide peace of mind in knowing that your property is being watched by trained specialists.
Customized Reports and Analytics: to get a complete understanding of what activities are happening on your sites. ECAM’s video analyst team reviews archived footage for clients to provide evidence of on-site issues, such as accidents and property damage.
System Health Check: to ensure all equipment is working as it should.
Every cannabis business is different, but the stakes are high for all of them. If you’re looking for a security solution with a proven track record for your cannabis facility, contact us.
