The History of Cannabis in New York

The History of Cannabis in New York

This article was originally featured on the Point Seven Group Industry News blog here. Though adult-use cannabis was only recently legalized in New York, the plant has had a long history in the state including cannabis decriminalization that started in the 1970s and a medical marijuana program that was established in 2014.  Cannabis decriminalization efforts started early in New York …

Video Surveillance or Security Guards

Video Surveillance System or Security Guard – What is the Best Choice for Your Business?

This article was originally featured on the Netwatch USA blog here. Choosing between a video surveillance system or a security guard can be difficult, given the range of factors to consider. If you are unsure which route offers better protection for your business, then continue reading. Common considerations to explore before choosing a security solution include: Cost Reliability Response Times …

What are Smart Safes and How to Use Them in Cannabis Dispensaries

What are Smart Safes and How to Use Them at Cannabis Dispensaries

The cannabis industry presents a very unique and challenging field to conduct business in. Not only must cannabis businesses navigate the waters of a semi-legal industry, but they must also deal almost exclusively in cash. Handling and managing cash can pose real financial risks for cannabis dispensaries. For starters, having large sums of cash present at your business invites criminal activity …

How to Prevent Wildings at Cannabis Dispensaries

How to Prevent “Wildings” at Your Cannabis Dispensary

In the past few years, retail stores across the United States have seen an influx in crime involving groups conducting smash and grab lootings, also known as “wildings.” Cannabis dispensaries have not been immune to these crimes and many of these “wildings” occurred in California. In most cases, the incidents were over in a matter of minutes – with looters …

Increased Security Requirements for Denver Dispensaries

Increased Security Requirements for Denver Dispensaries

As of January 1st, of this year, the city of Denver, Colorado has begun mandating cannabis dispensaries implement additional security requirements in response to recent increases in crime at cannabis businesses. There are over 200 dispensaries in Denver that produce an estimated $700 million in annual revenue that now must comply with regulations that bear additional costs and include the use of a secure storage …

Detecting Internal Theft at a Cannabis Business

Detecting Internal Theft at a Cannabis Business

Since preventing shoplifting and other methods of external theft is usually the priority of cannabis security plans, internal theft can sometimes be overlooked.  On average, employees cause about 90% of all theft losses. Additionally, when asked, 60% of employees stated that they would steal from their employer if they knew they wouldn’t get caught according to the FBI. Despite the obvious dangers …

Cannabis Laboratories

Do States Have Security Regulations for Cannabis Laboratories?

Cultivators and dispensaries have different but important security needs; thus, regulators mandate requirements of facilities to ensure that the businesses do not fall victim to theft and diversion. Common regulations involve commercial video, alarm, and access control systems. These requirements are the minimum for businesses, and businesses can choose to do more than the regulators require. How about laboratories though? …

Prioritizing Physical and Installed Security for Cannabis Businesses

Prioritizing Physical and Installed Security During Cannabis Business Build Outs

During the construction and buildout phase of opening a cannabis operation, it is important to prioritize physical and installed security measures. Often, security system installation (i.e. cameras, alarms) and the focus on security takes place after the buildout of the operation. Physical, or installed security can include: doors, barriers, walls, or any other physically installed feature, that plays a part …

Varying Security Challenges for Consumption Lounges v Dispensaries

Varying Security Challenges for Consumption Lounges v. Dispensaries

Adequately securing any cannabis operation is a difficult task, but securing where the public interacts with cannabis operations, is even more intense. Interacting with cannabis customers either within a cannabis retail store, or within a cannabis consumption space, requires your security plan to be well thought out, documented, and able to grow and change as you operate. Knowing the key …

Camera Manufacturers in the Cannabis Industry

Camera Manufacturers for the Cannabis Industry

Video surveillance is a key part of the security strategy for any cannabis business, but with hundreds of surveillance camera manufacturers on the market, it can be hard for a cannabis business owner to know which to choose. Today, video surveillance is about more than just observation. Modern cannabis camera manufacturers offer solutions that include enhanced video analytics, video storage options, …