The Complete Guide to Protect Your Cannabis Shop
One place that has the highest security risks is a cannabis shop.
The main potential threat is that a marijuana business relies on cash, which leads to robberies, not to mention the product with break-ins.
Hence, your shop might be a target of criminal activities.
Still, the good news is that you can take preventative measures to minimize the risks and maximize security.
B&W Locksmith is here to help.
Contents
SECTION 1
Learn How to Make Your Cannabis Shop Secure
When you know where your cannabis dispensary or shop is the most vulnerable, you can take the best action with preventative measures, so keep reading our complete guide to protect your cannabis shop.
Risks Weed Dispensaries Face
No matter what retail store you have, they all face security risks, but a marijuana shop faces higher risks as they carry loads of cash and sought-after products.
Here are some of the dangers your cannabis shop can face:
- Shoplifting
- Break-ins
- Delivery
- Internal theft
- Robbery
Hence, the approach varies depending on location, situation, shop size, and staff. You need the best physical security to help create the best security strategy for your needs.
SECTION 2
Preparing Your Physical Security Plan
B&W Locksmith Calgary uses different tools, partnerships, and processes to provide an effective physical security plan.
But before you start implementing them, it helps to know what physical security is.
Physical security is all about your tangible asses in the shop.
It is from the equipment your staff uses, the products, and the building itself. Hence, you must consider your space as one thing, not different parts.
So, how do you get the best physical security?
SECTION 3
Identify Your Cannabis Shop's Weak Points
Have you ever gone through a robbery? If you have, you will easily recall what went wrong.
Still, you may have unidentified areas that lead to added risks. We recommend you first ask yourself some questions to audit the physical security:
- Does your cannabis dispensary have the best alarm system?
- Is the exterior and interior of your shop well-lit?
- Do you display your weed products in a secure display or kept in a safe or secure location?
- Do you have any security staff present and have a surveillance system?
- How do you deliver your products, and are they in a secure armored vehicle?
- Are you following the state’s regulations when it comes to cannabis security?
If you answered no to some of the questions, it would indicate the weak areas, and you can focus on strengthening the security in those areas.
Still, how do you achieve this?
SECTION 4
Securing Your Cannabis Shop Exterior
The first step is to form a perimeter around the shop, and the scope and size will depend on your business needs and the above mentioned risks.
We recommend looking at these three essential features:
- Exterior Lighting
It helps to keep the outside of your cannabis dispensary well-lit to deter criminals.
You can find many lighting options as follows:
- HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lights are one of the brightest available when it comes to outdoor lighting. It will light up a vast area, making them ideal for parking lots, warehouses, garages, and shops.
- Then you have motion-activated lights that are a form of an alarm system but without the sound.
- Another worthy option is parking lot lights, which you can mount to a pole to lighten up a vast area in your parking lots.
- Lastly, you can mount wall-pack lights outside the building to provide light to exits, entrances, and garages.
- Surveillance Systems
Video surveillance systems help establish the perimeter of the building and are best used on the inside to surveil the inside for internal theft and help deter shoplifters.
Here are some of the best cannabis shop surveillance systems:
- Choose a high-resolution camera; the higher it is, the better it can identify threats.
We recommend a 4K resolution that is the best or a 1080p Full HD one, but it might not pick up smaller details like faces, license plates, and more. - Ensure that the surveillance camera you choose can function during the day or night and has long-range night vision with infrared.
It will help pick up images with low or no light. - Ensure the camera you select is vandal and weather-resistant, like an IP66 or IP 67-rated one.
- The housing needs to be vandal-proof to prevent tampering with the surveillance.
- Secure Fence
Another crucial aspect to prevent break-ins is to place a fence around your cannabis shop’s perimeter. We recommend the following:
- The aluminum fence is a solid, durable option that is easy to maintain and reasonably priced. People cannot climb them easily; it has vertical bars with solid metal to last years.
- A chain link fence is popular for businesses and lasts long enough to withstand outdoor elements. Still, they are easy to climb.
- Lastly, you have the wood fence that adds security to privacy and is cost-effective. Yet, they need more maintenance but can last years with proper care.
We recommend following these helpful tips when installing a fence:
- It helps to lock down all the external and electrical hardware to devices.
- Place fencing around the parking to utility locations.
- Once the fencing is done, secure all gates with high-security padlocks.
SECTION 5
Securing The Cannabis Shop Interior
Now that the perimeter is secured, you must also protect the cannabis dispensary interior.
Yet, before you start with a security plan for the inside of the building, you must understand a few things.
First, understand your employee’s and customers’ movement through the shop layout.
Then, start thinking about how you will keep criminals out and catch them, especially during shoplifting, robbery, and a break-in.
B&W is a Locksmith Services For Cannabis Dispensaries in Calgary recommends the following to protect the inside of the shop:
- Install Reinforced Glass
The high-risk points in a store are the windows, including tempered glass, as burglars smash them. So, think about this security step carefully and follow these tips:
- Install security and safety window film made of a polyester mylar coating. You can apply it to the inside of the existing glass to strengthen it. If someone smashes the window, the film holds the glass together.
- Choose a laminated safety glass layered in between with thermoplastic for durable and secure glass. It makes the window 100 times more stiffer and up to five times stronger.
- You can also install polycarbonate panels made of polycarbonates, acrylics, and other forms of plastic. It feels and looks like glass but offers more security and is virtually unbreakable.
- Install an Alarm System
There are several types of alarm systems you can install:
- You have the choice of an acoustic or shock glass break detector. The acoustic can sense high frequencies when glass breaks and is mounted anywhere 20 feet away.
Or you can invest in shock detectors that sense vibrations when glass breaks.
But you must attach them to the glass to monitor. - The other options are motion detectors that monitor the energy or heat released by someone when in the range of the device to notify you.
- Another option you can add is the panic button, which signals law enforcement that an incident is occurring.
You can get a hard-wired or remote one in the shop.
There are several types of alarm systems you can install:
- You have the choice of an acoustic or shock glass break detector.
The acoustic can sense high frequencies when glass breaks and is mounted anywhere 20 feet away.
Or you can invest in shock detectors that sense vibrations when glass breaks. But you must attach them to the glass to monitor. - The other options are motion detectors that monitor the energy or heat released by someone when in the range of the device to notify you.
- Another option you can add is the panic button, which signals law enforcement that an incident is occurring. You can get a hard-wired or remote one in the shop.
- Secure Storage and Locks
Here, it all depends on your cannabis shop’s layout, but you will have a room where you can store your weed products or keep them displayed in the store.
We can help provide you with the following to keep products secure in certain areas for those with a key or code:
- For a small cannabis shop, you can use a secure safe to keep cash and products secure. Still, you must install a TL-rated safe with the highest security level in the cannabis industry.
- Compared to safes, a vault is not affordable but requires large weed businesses to keep the products and cash secure. We recommend building one in the lining of walls and ceilings and surround it with mesh. Still, check with your state’s regulations on the vault construction.
- Lastly, install high-security doors that are code-compliant and can resist forced entry. Furthermore, it should be simple to install and lock automatically.
Another option is to install high-security locks, and many states recommend the following:
- Install commercial-grade or high security door locks on all points where people enter and exit.
- For cannabis-infused products that need refrigeration, ensure the fridge has a secure lock and the units are built into the structure.
- Also, ensure that the limited-access areas have a commercial door and lock to remain closed when you do not use it.
- For deliveries, ensure that the cannabis products are in a box, cage, or container that is secured in the vehicle and locked. The person delivering the goods must lock and activate the alarm system before leaving the car.
- We recommend installing security locks on hinged doors, display cases, sliding doors, drawers, and any two-way drawers.
- Hire a Guard From a Reputable Security Company
It helps to have a security guard present to act when criminals enter the premises.
It will help reduce external and internal theft by reminding customers and staff that they are monitored.
The person must be firm but polite and able to refer customers to the right person for help if asked.
Furthermore, the person must be able to work together with others as a team if specific scenarios arise and need to know when to take charge and be trained and certified.
While a security officer might be off-putting, they can also make customers feel safe.
Invest in Highly Trained Staff
Physical security is about more than having guards and security hardware in place.
The staff plays an integral part in keeping your store safe. We recommend employing vetted personnel, as employee theft is one of the most significant losses in any business. Hence, it helps to do the following:
- Do employee background checks to vet staff before hiring them.
- Employ a company with secure background check programs that can help provide you with the best employees to work in your cannabis shop.
Have two employees work together and provide them with safety, operational security, and accountability training.
SECTION 7
For All Your Security Needs, Contact Us Today
When shopping for your cannabis shop security needs, remember that not all security equipment and hardware are identical. We recommend contacting our qualified locksmiths to arrange an appointment to provide you with a plan tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a cannabis dispensary need a lot of security?
Dispensaries necessitate heightened security measures compared to conventional retail establishments because they handle substantial amounts of cash and high-value cannabis products.
While specific state or local security regulations may apply to dispensaries, the primary emphasis should be safeguarding every business facet.
This encompasses a comprehensive approach, addressing both physical security and cybersecurity aspects.
What sets marijuana dispensary security apart from other industries?
Dispensary security systems generally resemble those used by high-value retailers, such as jewelry stores.
However, variations arise based on compliance regulations, which may mandate restricted access to specific areas or impose stringent standards for video surveillance.
It’s crucial to consult your state for specific rules and requirements tailored to your location.
Why is security crucial for a cannabis dispensary?
The cannabis industry poses inherent risks, with dispensaries often holding substantial cash due to banking restrictions, making theft more likely.
Additionally, valuable cannabis products make dispensaries targets for criminals.
A robust security plan safeguards cash, staff, and assets.
Are there specific regulations for cannabis dispensary security?
Yes, regulations vary by state but commonly include requirements for video surveillance, restricted access, and alarm systems.
It’s crucial to stay informed about and comply with local regulations.
How can a cannabis shop ensure the safety of its staff?
Ensuring staff safety involves thorough background checks, implementing panic buttons, and providing training on handling potential security threats.
Adequate lighting in and around the premises also contributes to staff safety.
