In the cannabis industry, security is non-negotiable. Whether you’re running a dispensary, cultivation facility, or distribution center, your business is constantly at risk from theft, regulatory penalties, and even cyberattacks. That’s why choosing the right cannabis security provider is essential. But what if the provider you’ve trusted is no longer meeting your needs?
With cannabis regulations tightening and threats growing more complex, your security partner must stay ahead of the curve. If you’ve experienced repeated issues, compliance failures, or a general sense of dissatisfaction with your current vendor, it might be time for a change. Below are five telltale signs it’s time to switch your cannabis security provider.
1. They Don’t Understand Cannabis Industry Compliance
Security providers unfamiliar with cannabis regulations can do more harm than good. Each province or state has its own rules regarding cannabis security; from video retention requirements to physical security protocols and access restrictions. If your provider isn’t keeping up with these standards, you could face costly penalties or even license suspension.
For instance, many U.S. states, including California and Michigan, mandate 24/7 cannabis video surveillance with at least 90 days of footage storage. Canadian provinces like Ontario require detailed cannabis security plans as part of the license application process. If your provider doesn’t build compliance into your system design, you’re at risk.
According to Cova Software’s Complete Guide to Cannabis Dispensary Security Systems, non-compliance with surveillance or alarm regulations is one of the most common causes of fines and license revocations.
Our blog on the 5 Signs You Picked the Wrong Cannabis Security Company discusses common oversights that can lead to regulatory trouble, especially when providers lack industry-specific knowledge.
If your current vendor doesn’t offer cannabis compliance audits or fails to alert you about changing laws, it’s time to find someone who will.
2. Their Technology Is Outdated or Incompatible
Outdated security systems can be just as dangerous as no security at all. Many cannabis businesses inherit systems that weren’t designed for the industry’s unique risks, like high-volume cash transactions and valuable inventory. If your provider is installing generic commercial security gear that doesn’t support cannabis-specific features, that’s a major red flag.
Your provider should offer tailored cannabis security services, including:
- High-resolution cannabis video surveillance with remote monitoring and mobile access
- Custom cannabis alarm systems that integrate with dispensary POS and access controls
- Failover backups and cloud storage for video and security data
- Access control integration with role-based entry permissions
- Analytics tools to monitor employee behavior and reduce shrinkage
For example, if your cameras are still analog, you’re missing out on motion-triggered alerts, facial recognition, and license plate tracking, all tools that modern dispensaries need.
Cure8 offers modern Cannabis Dispensary Security Solutions designed to meet both compliance requirements and real-world security threats.
If your provider can’t offer or recommend advanced tools specific to the cannabis space, they’re not equipping you to succeed.
3. They’re Unresponsive or Slow in Emergencies
When your cannabis business faces a break-in attempt, system outage, or compliance audit, every second counts. If your provider isn’t reachable or has slow response times, your business is left vulnerable.
Poor communication and delayed service are two of the most common complaints Cure8 hears during cannabis security consulting engagements. Many cannabis businesses initially partner with low-cost or generic providers who treat them like just another retail store. But cannabis isn’t just another industry. Your risks are higher, your regulations are stricter, and your systems must always be online.
Reliable cannabis security services should include:
- 24/7 live support and incident response
- Ongoing maintenance and updates
- Remote diagnostics and repair
- Real-time system alerts via mobile and email
If your provider disappears after installation or doesn’t offer proactive support, you’re paying for peace of mind you’re not getting.
4. They Can’t Scale as You Grow
Your dispensary or cannabis business might start with one storefront, but as you scale, you will need a provider who can scale with you. A good cannabis security provider should offer centralized management, standardized system configurations, and unified monitoring across all sites. They should also help future-proof your infrastructure by building modular systems that are easy to expand.
Signs your current provider isn’t ready to grow with you:
- They treat each new site as a separate client with no unified plan
- They can’t integrate new technologies or services into your existing system
- They don’t offer remote multi-site access or data aggregation
- Their pricing becomes inconsistent as you grow
Switching to a provider like Cure8, which specializes in scalable cannabis security solutions, ensures consistency across locations and full visibility into your entire operation.
5. They Take a Reactive (Not Proactive) Approach
In today’s cannabis industry, reactive security is simply not enough. You need a partner that actively monitors, evaluates, and improves your system before a problem occurs.
Ask yourself:
- Does your provider offer periodic cannabis compliance audits?
- Are you receiving quarterly or annual system performance reviews?
- Do they notify you of emerging threats or regulatory changes?
- Are system upgrades and maintenance scheduled proactively?
Proactive cannabis security consulting means regularly evaluating risks, recommending system updates, and preparing your business for both physical and digital threats. If your current vendor is just “setting and forgetting” your system, they’re not protecting your business to the level it deserves.
The Bottom Line: You Deserve Better Security
The cannabis industry isn’t slowing down, and neither should your security strategy. If your current provider is holding you back or exposing you to risk, switching is more than a smart business move. It’s essential for your survival.
Look for a partner who:
- Understands cannabis laws and compliance
- Offers modern, cannabis-specific technology
- Provides consistent, responsive support
- Scales with your business
- Takes a proactive approach to your security
Cure8 is a trusted cannabis IT and security partner with a track record of helping dispensaries, growers, and distributors stay secure and compliant. From cannabis security consulting to full-scale installations and compliance monitoring, we help you build a security system that works as hard as you do.
