4 Cannabis Dispensary Security Tips
August 16, 2019
With the enactment of Colorado Amendment 64, the sales and use of recreational marijuana are now legal in The Centennial State. Cannabis dispensaries, where individuals can purchase marijuana, have become common sites throughout the state, including the Colorado Springs area. However, these facilities have also attracted criminals — both internal and external — looking to steal the stock for personal use or sell it to others. This criminal activity has created an urgent need to implement stringent dispensary security measures.
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Cannabis dispensary security threats include:
- Employee theft: Internal theft poses the biggest threat to dispensary owners. Employee stealing accounts for up to 90 percent of financial and product loss, according to cannabis industry experts.
- Physical theft: As with any retail-type business that sells consumer goods to the public — and handles cash — grow houses are vulnerable to armed crooks who attempt to rob the facility at gunpoint.
- Shoplifting: Some regular marijuana users may view dispensaries as a place to replenish their supply via the “five-finger discount.”
- Cybertheft: Cybercriminals may attempt to hack into a dispensary’s computer system to steal sensitive customer information.
Steps You Can Take to Improve Security at Your Grow House
You can bolster your cannabis security efforts by implementing the following tips at your grow house:
1. MONITOR AND TRAIN YOUR EMPLOYEES
Because the vast majority of dispensary thefts are inside jobs, you should focus the bulk of your security efforts on your staff. Conduct a comprehensive background check before hiring a new employee, along with a thorough job interview. Train all staff members on security procedures, and deploy surveillance cameras in stockrooms and cash handling areas.
2. MANAGE YOUR INVENTORY
Implementing strict inventory management and monitoring practices can help you keep product losses to a minimum. Perform a physical inventory count at least twice a day, especially during employee shift changes. Store any excess cash and stock in a vault or another secure location.
3. INVEST IN HIGH-QUALITY DISPENSARY SECURITY EQUIPMENT
Installing video cameras is a good place to start, but you should also consider implementing additional security systems and devices. For example, utilizing an access control system in storage areas can keep out unauthorized personnel. Bollards or a strong security fence can prevent after-hours thefts that result from criminals using vehicles to ram their way onto your property.
4. HIRE A SECURITY SERVICE THAT SPECIALIZES IN CANNABIS DISPENSARY SECURITY
Because of the relative newness of the cannabis industry, finding a security firm that understands the unique challenges you face isn’t easy — but it’s well worth the effort. A patrolling guard provides a visible security presence that can deter criminal activity. Guards can also respond quickly when a security situation arises.
Vigilant Tiger Security Understands the Cannabis Industry
Vigilant Tiger Security is a veteran-owned security firm with extensive experience in providing cannabis dispensary security in the Colorado Springs area. Our team consists of ex-military personnel who will deliver our top-notch security services with empathy, dignity and professionalism. Contact us to learn more today.
Written By:
Donny Hamilton
Donny, the Founder of Vigilant Tiger Security, is a retired Army Captain with over 20 years of service, including special forces experience. He holds an MBA, is POST certified, and is a 4-time combat American Soldier, all while maintaining a passion for his work and helping others in his community.
