There are around 300 dispensaries in California who have to stay updated daily on any changes that might affect their business. Following these regulations is crucial to keeping their doors open, but it’s estimated that employees are the ones who steal the most products from dispensaries. This leads us to the top 5 security precautions dispensaries should be aware of to maintain inventory and build a thriving business.
1. Why Dispensaries Should Invest In A Comprehensive Surveillance System
Not only is this a major precaution to address, state and local laws require dispensaries to have a comprehensive surveillance system in place. The benefits of this are innumerable especially in the case that something does happen.
Once a system is in place, there may also be additional rules to abide by such as minimum storage capacity and keeping footage for 90 days. These vary from city to city, but all are good practices.
Our surveillance system features remote access so you can view footage in real-time anywhere, anytime, and on any compatible device. For even greater protection, our Central Monitoring Station guards keep an eye on video feeds 24/7 so that in case something does occur, they’re able to verify threats and alert the proper authorities.
2. The Importance of a Fire Alarm System For Dispensaries
Politico reported in February that “explosions and fires at cannabis factories are sending workers to the hospital with severe burns…” The process for extracting the oil from cannabis involves pouring highly-flammable butane into a cannabis-filled pipe. If this is done improperly or the tank of butane isn’t store correctly, an explosion is likely.
In response to this, the National Fire Protection Association stepped in to address fire hazards at facilities that grow and extract marijuana. The new code requires hazardous hash oil extraction process to take place in a non-combustible room that isn’t near a health care facility and doesn’t have children in it. Explosions like these are significantly decreasing, but the fire hazard will always remain.
Our fire alarm system detects smoke and fire early which significantly reduce losses due to fire. Regardless of the industry, all California small business owners should invest in a quality fire alarm system.
3. How Physical Security Officers Protect Dispensaries
Not only is it important to have threat detection set up, it’s also important that you consider securing all points of entry and exit with security guards. To maintain loyal customers, it’s essential to communicate with all security staff the importance of the customer experience. While their job is very serious, their skills can still be respected while they ensure a safe and pleasant shopping experience.
With the industry growing so fast, things like safety and security can sometimes be put on the back burner when they should actually be getting more attention.
4. Creating Secure Transportation For Your Dispensary
The industry’s growth and a high-volume of employee theft has created distrust regarding the transportation of products and money. To keep your product, money, and employees safe, equipping vehicles with mobile a security system is necessary.
Video surveillance isn’t the only thing suggested by major companies in the industry. The National Cannabis Industry Association recommends “bullet-resistant finishes, GPS tracking and streaming videos that feeds to your security “home base,” for starters.
5. Dispensary Compliance Is Crucial
It was just a few months ago in January that the Office of Administrative Law approved state regulations for cannabis businesses across the supply chain. With the new regulations, the doors opened wide for cannabis to be used in food products, for health benefits, and for any reason sold to adults 21+.
If you’re thinking about opening your own dispensary, catch up on the most updated cannabis regulations.
If all of the above sounds overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be with Sonitrol. Our security system can cover everything mentioned above and more. Contact us today!