Security helps GROW your Cannabis Business
Security is one of the most critical services when running your cannabis operation. You see weekly how dispensaries are targets for theft and robbery. Visible security will be a strong deterrent to theft and keep your business safe for customers and employees.
WHY DO YOU NEED CANNABIS SECURITY?
Cannabis business in many respects is more difficult to secure than a banking business. There are too many security risks involved that may cause loss of money and products.
When you start dealing in the cannabis industry, licensees know that they will be handling a lot of money. It is a cash-out business that is very profitable. The product itself is a risk to travel with as the market is quite extensive. Apart from this, it involves the supply of a lot of cash.
All these are risk factors that demand unique security correlated around the cultural dynamics behind the cannabis industry. Unless you are very careful, you may be facing a lot of danger.
Transporting cannabis or the money from the growers to the dispensary is not easy.
Apart from logistics issues, your business is at risk of obvious break-ins. You need to protect your business as well as your employees from such threats that come from burglary. And the best way do this, it to have a detailed security system in place. But not just a system, or a guard company, but security procedures and regimens.
WHY DO YOU NEED A SECURITY COMPANY?
You may not need security however…. That’s where good consultation comes into play complimented by building fortification. There are a variety of factors that come into play to determine whether or not a guard company is right for you. A lot of questions pop up to make this determination. Questions like, are we busy enough during the day to need a guard? Are we busy enough at night? Is the building hardened enough to be secure on its own and not need a guard at all? Can we have a guard in our cultivation/ grow facility? Or is that against regulations and non-compliant? Can my operation even afford guards? Can we afford not to have guards? We can go on and on regarding this and the play, the “what if” game all day with these questions. Consultation from an experienced professional is what is needed first and foremost. Sometimes an on-site guard is needed, sometimes patrol check-ins during closed hours is enough.
EXPERIENCE VS. COST
This is a constant argument. With security, and thus security guards, not unlike everything else…. You get what you pay for… Do not look at the price alone but the experience of the company. As much as you may want to consider the cost of hiring the firm you have chosen, experience comes first. Also ask to see the companies liability insurance limits and if the company has workers comp insurance. You should be very careful about hiring guards or companies that do not have acceptable limits on either. If an incident occurs you or your company could be on the hook for medical bills or lawsuits.
ARMED OR UNARMED
There are rules that govern what can be done but with dispensaries that vary by state, but armed security is usually best due to the large amount of cash and valuable product on hand. I hesitate to do a blanket recommendation however since situations and laws can vary. Again that is why a good risk assessment is needed. The most important aspect is an alert, attentive security guard who will pay attention to every situation.
Praetoria
Praetoria Security has developed systems and protocols specifically for dispensary and grow location security. We have specific training for our officers to detect and defuse threats. Let’s have a conversation about how Praetoria can find solutions to security your cannabis operation.
