Security is of prime importance for businesses that manufacture or handles valuable goods. These problems are amplified dramatically in the highly regulated, and frequently not yet fully legal, cannabis market. For every cannabis business, creating a clear, proactive security plan is a must. In this post, we’ll go over the state regulations that apply to your business as well as our top picks for cannabis security solution providers.
State Compliance Regulations For Cannabis Security
State cannabis security regulations do exist, and they’re rather comprehensive because cannabis legalization has been enacted mostly at the state level. To make matters more complicated, they differ by state – for example, security regulations in Virginia differ from those in Michigan.
While we won’t go over every state’s compliance standard (Michigan’s Text of Regulations, under the Bureau of Cannabis Control, is around 150 pages long), here are some of the more prevalent ones:
- Businesses must adopt adequate security measures to dissuade and prohibit illegal access to marijuana-related areas (in other words, building access control).
- Documentation of security operations is required in order to apply for a marijuana license. System specifications (such as the specifics of the video surveillance systems in use) and operational procedures are frequently included (such as hours of access, security personnel, etc.).
- In the event of a theft, product loss, or breach, the appropriate regulatory bodies must be contacted. In Michigan, incident reporting must be completed within 24 hours after the occurrence.
- A variety of records must be maintained and stored in a safe environment. Records related to personnel information, inventory information – often from seed to product – and purchase information must be filled and stored diligently.
- A video surveillance system is required for licensed establishments. In several states, video quality must be at least 1280×720 pixels, and operable, unobstructed cameras must be present in all places where cannabis is handled. Visual records are frequently required to provide audit trails for all inventories.
- Video surveillance footage must be properly monitored and stored.
- Storefront businesses often require security guards at least during business hours, and in certain cases, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The alarm system must be functional.
- Secure storage mechanisms are required. This frequently necessitates integration with the alarm system, so that unwanted access triggers the alarm.
Again, this is a high-level overview of common legislation, not a detailed examination of each state’s laws.
Top Cannabis Security Companies
Let’s take a look at top security companies for Cannabis businesses:
Axis Cameras
Axis Communications a recognized leader in network video, isn’t just about security solutions – they’re architects of a smarter, safer future. Their innovative products, built on an open platform for seamless integration, empower a global network of partners to deliver these advancements. Axis prioritizes long-term partnerships, fostering a knowledge-sharing environment that equips partners with the cutting-edge technology to dominate both established and emerging security landscapes.
In a significant strategic move, Canon acquired Axis Communications in 2015, becoming the company’s primary shareholder. Despite this acquisition, Axis retains operational independence, conducting its own research and development and marketing activities. This hands-off approach fosters continued innovation within Axis. However, the acquisition has created a strategic partnership, granting Axis access to Canon’s advanced technical resources and expertise.
The Axis Advantage
- Better image quality
- Lower total costs
- Focus on cybersecurity
- Scalable & Future Proof
- Global Partner Network
Cure8
Cure8 is leading cannabis IT services provider that offers professional-grade technology to cannabis businesses helping them launch, thrive, and succeed.
Cure8 is well-positioned to be your organization’s trusted advisor in cannabis security, with emerging technology partners and a dedicated staff of IT security specialists.
Cure8 can help you protect your cannabis infrastructure, whether it’s in the cloud or on-premise, with the necessary tools and technology. They assist you in transforming your cloud infrastructure. Cure8 is an IT service provider for the cannabis industry that assists businesses in planning, procuring, installing, securing, managing, and scaling seamlessly.
Cure8 believes in providing quality security services to cannabis businesses. They are a service-based company specialized in top-notch data security solutions. Cure8 knows data and facility security is crucial for any cannabis business, thus to protect IT systems and networks from outsiders they work with the latest technologies and tools to deliver best-of-the-lot data security services globally.
Solink
Solink is a solution that combines your surveillance system and cannabis software (including POS systems and ERPs) into an all-in-one anti-theft and business intelligence platform.
It lets you view surveillance systems from multiple locations in a single dashboard; search through footage by employee, time, type of transaction, camera, and area within the camera’s view; review heatmaps that show you how people travel through your store; receive alerts when movement is detected in sensitive areas at unusual times; and more.
It helps you detect internal theft, making it easier to view footage by employee and time, and flags suspicious activity like frequent returns and discounts for your review. And it helps you respond quickly to break-ins and other unauthorized access.
Illumivue Cameras
Illumivue delivers top-tier video surveillance systems that meet strict NDAA and FCC guidelines. These premium video solutions capture high-quality 4K, full-color footage, even at night or low-lit areas. But that’s not all! Illumivue goes beyond basic surveillance with intelligent features like line-crossing detection, vehicle counting, and auto-tracking, providing a comprehensive security shield. And to make installation a breeze, both the recorders and cameras boast user-friendly, plug-and-play functionality.
Illumivue Cameras Features
- Real-Time monitoring
- Video Playback
- Motion Detection Alarm Notification
- High resolution
- Night vision
- Smart analytics
Brivo Access Controls
Leveraging intelligent technology, Brivo’s Access Control Systems redefine security by surpassing the limitations of traditional methods. Highly customizable, they adapt to your specific needs, while remote management capabilities empower authorized personnel to control access from any location, at any time. Its intelligent Access Control Systems eliminate the burden of constant physical presence through a comprehensive, 24/7 solution. Streamlined access management fosters a heightened sense of security, creating a compelling value proposition for organizations seeking a smarter approach to security.
With Brivo, constant worry about your facility’s security becomes a thing of the past. Their state-of-the-art system ensures complete protection.
Brivo Acess Controls Key Features
- Manage access from anywhere (cloud-based)
- Leverage data & analytics to gain security insights
- Scales to your needs
- Enhanced security (lockdown, notifications, integrations)
- Granular access control (authorized areas only)
- Unified security with integrations
