How to Choose an Access Control System for a Cannabis Business

How to Choose an Access Control System for a Cannabis Business

Choosing an access control system for a business can be a tough decision, especially in the rapidly expanding cannabis industry. Cannabis businesses have varying needs depending on their operations and the different regulations that govern them in each state.  The primary goals of the access control system are to manage and control access to the business, as well as to …

Video Surveillance for Cannabis Businesses

Video Surveillance for Cannabis Businesses

Regardless of license type, all cannabis businesses will need a video surveillance system. Like other industries, one of the main goals of the video surveillance system in a cannabis business is loss prevention. Individuals are less likely to steal when they know they are being recorded, and if they do attempt to steal, they are more likely to be caught. …

Cannabis Business Applications: Don't Neglect Your Security Plan

Cannabis Businesses: Don’t Neglect Your Security Plan!

There are three things you should never do:1. Be your own doctor2. Be your own lawyer3. Write your own cannabis business application! I have been involved in the cannabis industry for the last eight years and have seen many businesses and entrepreneurs with a strong desire to enter this industry. Some want to cultivate and distribute cannabis, while others want …

Best Practices for Security Floor Plan Design

Best Practices for Security Floor Plan Design

A cannabis security floor plan serves as an artistic rendering of a facility’s layout and includes the location of all applicable security solutions. Security floor plans are an essential component for many cannabis business applications prior to build-out. For cannabis retail, processing, and cultivation facilities, a well-designed cannabis floor plan communicates that the applicant has reviewed every angle for which …

Challenges in the California Cannabis Industry

Challenges in the California Cannabis Industry

Despite being one of the oldest legal markets in the country, California’s cannabis industry is still going through major changes. In July 2021, the state established the Department of Cannabis Control by consolidating the authority of three former state cannabis authorities: the Bureau of Cannabis Control, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of Public Health. Since then, state regulations …

Cannabis Business Applications

Strategies for Merit-Based vs. Pass/Fail Cannabis Business Applications

Without a national program, cannabis business applications vary widely. While states like Illinois and Missouri license cannabis businesses through a state-wide program, states like California and New Jersey are allowing municipalities to run their own licensing processes. In addition to differences in state and municipal programs, there is no standard application format. This means almost every application is unique with …

An Update on Cannabis in New York

An Update on Cannabis in New York

The State of New York is making progress toward legalizing recreational cannabis sales, with almost 40% of municipalities opting in, including all five boroughs of New York City. Many municipalities have opted out, however, and the state’s regulatory framework has yet to be finalized. Despite this, if regulators stay on track, licensing will begin soon and legal sales will begin …

Video Analytics for Cannabis Businesses

Video Analytics for Cannabis Businesses

Most cannabis businesses are already equipped with video surveillance cameras, either for regulatory compliance or added security. Surveillance cameras are great for deterring crime, monitoring facilities, and investigating incidences, but their use is even more beneficial when combined with video analytics.  Video analytics for cannabis businesses provide valuable insights that lead to smarter business decisions and increased security, all while making …

Fleet of transport vehicles

Varying Risks for Third-Party and In-House Cannabis Transporters

With the rapid expansion of the cannabis industry, frequent transport of cannabis is becoming a requirement for many cannabis businesses. To meet this need, cannabis business owners must decide whether or not to vertically integrate and transport cannabis in-house or hire a third-party company. This can be a confusing and daunting decision because while self-transport ensures control over all transport …

How to Prevent Cannabis Theft Using Two-Factor Authentication

How to Prevent Cannabis Theft Using Two-Factor Authentication

When it comes to building security, letting the right people in is equally as important as keeping the wrong people out. Access control systems are often employed by cannabis businesses to easily separate those who have are authorized from those who are not and often employ two-factor authentication. In its simplest form, an access control system grants access to those who have …