For some people, November is a month to celebrate with friends and family over homemade casseroles and pies. For others, it’s the time to open up heavy wallets and grab all the great deals. While most of the country prepares for Black Friday, cannabis purchasers know that “Green Wednesday” is really when the huge cannabis sales are happening.
“Green Wednesday” is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The term was coined around 2016-2017, playfully alluding to both the “green” cannabis plant and “green” American currency. Since then sales have annually increased, even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic when the lack of travel and inability to visit families made the Green Wednesday deals even more appealing. The trend of increasing sales will likely continue into this year with huge deals, high sales, and busy dispensaries.
Creating a Security Plan
Like previous years, cannabis purchasers are lining up to take part in the great deals with new strains, cannabis beverages, and low-dose edibles taking the stage this year. As the cannabis industry continues to expand and evolve, it is likely that these “cannabis holidays” (and sales) are only going to get busier.
Just like for standard retailers on Black Friday, cannabis dispensaries will need to prepare for the increased possibility of shoplifting and internal theft on Green Wednesday. A Security Plan will need to be created and implemented to increase security, and in preparation, employees should refresh their safety and security training to ensure that they are prepared for the increased risk.
Preventing Shoplifting
Shoplifting has always been a risk for retailers, especially during the holiday season. While the general public partakes in the seasonal festivities, certain individuals use this flurry of activity as an opportunity for theft. However, there are proactive ways to combat this.
Prior to sales, management should test the alarm system and security devices on the premises to ensure they are updated and operational. Management should ensure that additional employees and cashiers are scheduled to accommodate the increased capacity in the retailer. Additional security guards may also be scheduled to act as a visible deterrent to shoplifting
Rearranging the interior of the retailer may also serve to reduce the likelihood of shoplifting. Management should remove anything that could hinder the view of a security camera or aid the assistance of shoplifting. All cannabis products that are not stored within a display case or in enclosed and tethered sample pods should be “dummy products” that do not contain any actual cannabis. All cannabis requiring refrigeration should be locked in refrigeration units that cannot be accessed by purchasers.
The popularity of online orders for pick-up, delivery services, and drive-thrus can also help to manage the number of purchasers in the retailer and reduce the associated risks of shoplifting. As the industry evolves, it is likely that these methods of cannabis sales could become even more prevalent.
Preventing Internal Theft
Unfortunately, theft can also happen internally. The risks of internal theft are higher when a facility is using seasonal or temporary workers who may not buy into the retailer’s “Culture of Honesty” or have the best interests of their coworkers or employers in mind. Some employees might prey on the diversion of a busier store and the exclusive access to cannabis that their job entails. Common methods of internal theft include, discounting out purchases or distributing “free” samples for themselves or others.
An additional solution against internal theft could be the implementation of a “Two-Man” rule. At least two employees should be assigned a task that deals with currency, records, or cannabis products to increase accountability. No single employee should ever be left unattended with currency, records, or cannabis products. This is a great way to encourage honesty and teamwork among employees.
How Can Sapphire Risk Help?
Tony Gallo and the team at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group has over 30 years of security experience and expertise. Schedule a risk assessment with our security experts to ensure your cannabis security is efficient and effective. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with current cannabis security news and trends!
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