Cannabis and cannabis culture is celebrated for helping people relax and chill out. It’s a plant product that has helped countless people find relief for medical and recreational purposes. 

However, there is a side of its reputation that some might find disturbing. Critics and opponents of the cannabis movement say that it’s a gateway drug that encourages and enables substance abuse, especially in the hands of those who otherwise lack healthy lifestyle habits. 

While many might say that the legalization of cannabis in several states across America represents that this reputation has been effectively challenged and overruled to an extent, the fight for safe cannabis consumption rages on. 

The disturbing truth about the legal cannabis industry today is that retailers and dispensaries are faced with danger on a daily basis. 

Some incidents at facilities with on-site security personnel have been fatal. Cannabis, due to its demand and popularity, is highly targeted for crime, like other high-value industries like apparel, banking, and jewelry.

The goal of these robberies isn’t necessarily for personal use—rather, the stolen goods are resold on the secondary market. Dispensaries are targeted by criminals to resell cannabis on the black market due to the lucrative nature of the product. In addition to the product, robbers target cannabis retailers for cash, of which cannabis businesses tend to have large reserves, as consumer purchases are largely paid for in cash. 

Remote Guarding can significantly strengthen dispensary and retail security measures with the power of high-definition, artificially intelligent cameras. The remote aspect of this solution allows live monitoring without requiring staff to be on-site. Recording occurs around the clock to alert unauthorized access to staff, who can then take timely action. Remote guarding offers comprehensive security management while saving businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars in guarding costs. Leveraging the technology of remote guarding mitigates the risks of human error inherent to security systems that purely rely on the physical presence of security staff.

Cannabis businesses need to be prepared to handle unique challenges in an industry that continues to dramatically evolve. Did you know that intruders can sue businesses for bodily injury under certain circumstances? It may seem unbelievable, but a criminal can seek compensation for injuries as a result of measures of security employed toward their unauthorized access. Cannabis security compliance laws are complex and arguably convoluted. Most businesses and their staff aren’t perfectly versed in such laws, which raises the possibility of litigation in the event of an incident. 

Ownership and management have a vast number of responsibilities in operating a cannabis business, which can make it tempting to hire just about anyone for security and call it a day. However, it is important in almost every way to carefully screen and only hire qualified personnel and to require that they undergo Security Guard Training with experts who have walked the walk and know the industry inside and out, with the likes of both criminals and law enforcement. Security guard training and remote guarding combined can be the best investment in the business and its people. 

The illicit history of marijuana isn’t lost on the general public—or anyone, for that matter. 

But with countless celebrity-endorsed and -founded cannabis businesses, there’s no denying that the plant is on track to one day be as mainstream as alcohol and tobacco products have been for decades. While it may only be a matter of time, it is also fair to say that the road ahead is still long. 

It has been a frustrating battle for all. Proponents have tried to destigmatize and legalize a substance that is arguably less harmful than substances that have been legally and widely distributed for longer than many can remember. Moreover, cannabis may be used medicinally, while the same cannot be said for alcohol and tobacco. 

The issue of perception is tricky. Ask any politician and they will be able to tell you all about how long it can take to win the approval of the public on almost anything.

The stigma of being a “stoner” can pose challenges to those in the job search or workplace, as using cannabis for medical or recreational purposes may be stereotyped as a lazily foolish coping mechanism. At worst, it can be even misunderstood as delinquency. 

Marijuana can certainly be used as an escape, taking the form of addiction. However, many recreational users enjoy using the substance for calm relaxation. It isn’t a hard party drug that will hype you up. In fact, it is common to consume cannabis in the evening to help the user fall asleep easier. 

Unfortunately, the stigmatization of cannabis has arguably made compliance less clear and more convoluted than necessary for consumers and businesses alike. That said, this article does not attempt to paint blame solely on public opinion, nor to dismiss the true and valid medical precautions and concerns surrounding cannabis usage. What can be observed, however, is that significant resources have been poured into preventing cannabis from being legalized across the United States—resources which proponents argue could be better used for regulating its distribution and consumption. In fact, a study reports that the stigmatization of cannabis is greater in areas where laws are more punishing. As the budding business of cannabis continues to bloom, security and safety will become more important than ever before. Consumers and businesses alike are continuously looking for guidance amidst the confusion and chaos of reform.

Cannabis facilities, including retailers, growers, and dispensaries, need security plans that are both effective and compliant. As regulation regarding cannabis consumption and commerce is still changing, businesses are relying on experts like Cannabis Compliant Security Solutions to formulate security management plans. California’s Department of Cannabis Control provides details on security requirements for the state.

Cannabis stores often carry large cash reserves as payment for transactions, making the physical location highly targeted by local crime units. Moreover, the product is highly liquid, as it can be sold through illegal avenues with relative ease.

If you have questions about protecting your facility in compliance with the law, you can give Cannabis Compliant Security Solutions a call today.

Cannabis Compliant Security Solutions
https://ccsecuritysolutions.com/
+19259221067