In the booming global cannabis industry, businesses worldwide are at a crucial point. As the demand for cannabis products rises, so does the need for strong security. It’s not just about keeping people and assets safe; it’s a must do. Following strict state security rules is non-negotiable, not doing so can lead to fines or even losing the business license. So, here’s a guide to cannabis surveillance systems to boost the security of cannabis facilities.
Cameras:
Managing rules for the cannabis industry is tough because the laws are different in each state. However, every state explicitly requires a security plan when applying for a license and to legally operate your facility. That’s where cameras and video surveillance come in handy to make things safer. Putting good cameras in the right spots all around the place helps keep an eye on everything. They watch entrances, exits, sales areas, and where things are stored, making it less likely for theft, robberies or other bad stuff to happen.
In a nutshell, a well-established surveillance system helps businesses follow safety rules and catch any problems early on. This not only ensures security but also supports both big and small cannabis businesses in thriving while staying compliant with regulations and safety standards.
Common Requirements for Surveillance:
Here are some common requirements for cultivation facilities, testing facilities, product manufacturing facilities, and cannabis stores.
- Cameras permanently fixed at entry/exit points for identification
- Adequate coverage for cultivation areas, ensuring visibility of all stages and access points.
- Cameras for cannabis waste storage areas
- Mandatory cameras at each point of sale and designated curbside pickup locations
- Coverage of areas within 10 feet of exterior fence for outdoor cultivation facilities
- Cameras for recording all transactions via delivery, ensuring full transaction visibility and purchaser identification
Common Requirements for Video Surveillance:
- Minimum camera resolution: 720p
- IP-compatible storage and cameras
- Continuous 24/7 recording or motion-activated (15 fps)
- 120s pre/post motion capture for motion-activated recording
- Time/date stamp following U.S. National Institute Standards and Technology
- Secure storage on-site or third-party server
- Delivery recordings uploaded within 24 hours
- No facial surveillance software allowed
- Keep the recordings at least for 45 days
- Access control procedures in place, subject to Department inspection.
Advanced Technologies That Should Be Included:
- 360-degree cameras, which are used to cover large areas
- Cloud storage for keeping surveillance footage remotely
- Focusing cameras for POS counters
- Remote access, allowing one operator to monitor multiple sites
- Smart video analytics detect suspicious activities like vehicles entering a closed parking lot
- Talk-down feature, identifying intruders and instructing them to leave or face police contact
- Redundant servers, or backup drives available in case one stops working; and
- Advanced GPS tracking for cash and high-priced cannabis products.
Network Video Recorder:
A Network Video Recorder (NVR) acts like a specialized computer, storing digital surveillance footage on a hard drive. Unlike traditional Digital Video Recorders (DVR), NVRs offer advantages like recording both video and audio, better image quality, system flexibility, and the ability to recognize details like faces and license plates. So, having a reliable NVR is a great way to ensure your facility’s security.
Software:
For a cannabis facility, surveillance software is key to beefing up business security. It provides real-time monitoring and alerts, keeping a close watch for potential threats or unauthorized activities. Its advanced features, such as image search and object detection, contribute to efficient footage management. The ability to integrate various camera systems and store data securely, either on-premises or in the cloud, underscores its adaptability. With surveillance software, businesses can not only safeguard their operations but also optimize workforce management through officer monitoring, ensuring a safer and more productive environment.
Here is the list of popular surveillance software in US:
- Blink
- Solink
- Hikvision
- Aviglion
- Camcloud
- Dahua
- Bosch
- Axis
- Flir
- Uniview
Currently, the go-to option for surveillance systems is cloud-managed video surveillance. Choosing cloud-based video surveillance makes it easy for owners to check live feeds and recordings from anywhere, keeping an eye on their facility security & safety.
Major advantages of cloud surveillance:
- Better Security and Monitoring
- Remote Reliability
- Increased Data Security
- Data Transparency
- Convenient Accessibility
We Recommend Solink:
Solink is the top choice for cannabis business security. It’s a smart system that combines the savings of using both cloud and regular storage with cameras that work well together. This means you get more value for your money and a safer business. Solink also saves you money upfront, keeps your data safe in the cloud, and comes with awesome features like heatmaps and linking with POS systems. It’s the best because it’s powerful and affordable, giving you a lot for what it offers.
The bottom Line:
Having a video surveillance system is like having a watchdog for your cannabis facility. It records everything that happens, following the rules for cannabis businesses. If something goes wrong, you can rely on the recorded footage. Plus, just having these surveillance systems visible can stop theft or break-ins. To keep your cannabis business safe, pick the right surveillance system that suits your business needs and requirements.
For additional support with cannabis surveillance systems or assistance in making the right choice, feel free to reach out to our team of experts here.