Hiring a Dispensary Security Guard: Everything You Need to Know

The legal cannabis industry in the United States is booming. If you’re an entrepreneur, you already know that opening a cannabis dispensary can be a fantastic business opportunity.

It can also present security risks. For one, many dispensaries are cash-only businesses because payment processors often refuse to work with cannabis sellers. Cash-only businesses are more vulnerable to burglary, theft, and other crimes. Thankfully, hiring a dispensary security guard can solve the problem.

If you’re thinking about opening a dispensary or already run one, learn why hiring 24/7 security protection is the best way to protect your dispensary’s customers, employees, goods, and cash. We’ll also explain where and how to find reputable security guards, and explore how to get the most from their services.

Six Benefits of Hiring Security for Your Cannabis Dispensary

Although it’s not the case for most businesses, putting security measures in place to protect your cannabis store is not an option. It’s a legal requirement.

Here’s a closer look at what hiring a dispensary security guard or security firm can do for your cannabis business.

Helps Your Dispensary Comply with State Laws

Security protections for dispensaries are required by law in almost every state that permits legal cannabis sales. Requirements vary from state to state and city to city, but all states mandate that dispensaries practice a minimum level of security.

If you fail to meet the required security measures in your region, your business could lose its license to sell cannabis. Protect your business venture by hiring an experienced security firm that can oversee your security operations.

This is the best way to make your dispensary compliant with all state and local laws. Learn more about cannabis laws by state.

Protects Your Dispensary Against Robberies

Cannabis is already a coveted, high-value product. But because dispensaries keep so much cash on hand, they’re more vulnerable to burglaries, robberies, and petty theft.

Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level in the U.S., which is why most payment processors won’t work with dispensaries. In response, dispensaries require customers to pay in cash.

The problem is that would-be thieves are all too aware of this fact. They also know how easy it is to resell marijuana products on the black market.

This makes cannabis dispensaries a highly desirable target for criminals. Some retail stores only attract robbers that want to steal cash, but dispensaries are at risk for having cash and inventory stolen.

With visible security guards and surveillance cameras in place, it’s less likely that thieves will attempt to rob your business. Stationing a guard outside your door or in your parking lot can also protect your customers, as criminals who see them leaving your dispensary with product may deem them as easy targets for robbery.

Security Guards Deters Crime

One of the key reasons to have security professionals on site is to deter criminal activity, including theft, vandalism, and physical assaults that may occur between customers or between customers and staff. The physical presence of a guard is often enough to prevent people from partaking in dangerous, criminal activity.

Security professionals do more than protect your business from outside threats. They can run background checks on prospective employees, as well as deter current employees from committing theft or embezzlement.

They Protect Customers, Staff, and Inventory

Security guards provide peace of mind to everyone on site, including customers and staff. Knowing that a guard is present allows employees to focus on their tasks. It also allows customers to have an enjoyable shopping experience in a visibly secure retail environment.

During training, security personnel learn how to detect suspicious activity and threats. They also learn how to de-escalate situations, which can prevent more serious crimes from occurring on site.

Check Out: The Beginner’s Guide to Hiring a Security Guard to Keep You Safe

Supports Crowd and Access Control

All states have a minimum age requirement for cannabis sales. You’ll need to staff someone at your door who can oversee access control.

Dispensary security guards can help keep your waiting customers calm and orderly. Cannabis businesses are known to attract crowds and long lines during peak shopping hours, especially if the dispensary is located in a city or state where few dispensaries are available.

Guards can also stand at the front door to check photo IDs, deny entry to underage patrons, and limit access to the store to maintain crowd control. They can also break up crowds and prevent people who are not customers from loitering outside your business.

A security company can also recommend security solutions such as glass break sensors, security alarms, and more.

Security Services Improve Emergency Response

Security guards are trained to handle emergency situations of all types. When you hire a security company to protect your dispensary, one of the first actions they’ll take will be to develop a safety plan for your business.

They will customize the plan to address the specific security needs of your business’s location, employees, and clientele. If a situation requires local law enforcement or fire or medical emergency services, your security staff will contact the necessary resources.

Should You Hire Armed or Unarmed Dispensary Security Guards?

When hiring a security company, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is whether you want unarmed or armed security guards. Unless local laws require you to have armed guards, this is up to you to decide.

For some dispensary owners, it’s a matter of personal preference. For others, armed security guards are a necessity. Some owners choose to staff both armed and unarmed guards at the same time.

You should consider hiring an armed security officer if your business is:

• Required to have armed guards by state law
• Stocked with inventory or has large amounts of cash on site
• Located in a high-crime area

Many armed guards are former law enforcement officers or veterans with extensive firearms training.

Read About: Fire Watch Security: Everything You Need to Know

Marijuana Dispensaries Need 24/7 Security

If you think you only need guards when your business is open, you’re wrong. Cannabis dispensaries are at a high risk for theft and need around-the-clock security.

Why Dispensaries Need 24/7 Security Guards

Whether you sell medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, or both, it’s essential to have 24/7 video surveillance. Why?

Because it’s required by law.

Depending on the laws in your state, you may need to staff full-time physical security guards at all hours of the day. In some states, it’s sufficient to staff guards during operating hours and maintain a video surveillance system when you’re closed to the public. Be sure to follow all the laws in your state regarding the specific requirements for video surveillance and guard security.

Setting Up Video Surveillance for Remote Monitoring

A professional security company that has experience working with dispensaries can do a complete assessment of your business to verify you’re meeting all regulations for CCTV video surveillance systems. If you’re not meeting those requirements, they will let you know how to make your dispensary compliant.

Security companies can also install surveillance systems and cameras in key areas of your business, such as at entry and exit doors, in inventory rooms, and at all points of sale.

Having 24/7 security measures in place is critical, and many dispensaries have both physical guards and remote video camera monitoring 24/7. It’s important to note that dispensary security laws can be very detailed and may include requirements as specific as:

• The type of surveillance equipment you must use
• The camera resolution and image quality
• The placement and positioning of surveillance cameras
• How cameras record and store data

The best way to ensure that you’re in compliance is to rely on the services of a trusted security company who understands the requirements and local laws in your state.

How to Find Security Guard Services for Your Dispensary

Some security guard companies specialize in providing security for certain types of businesses and institutions, such as banks, hospitals, or schools. When looking for a new security company to work with, choose one that understands the unique security set-up that a dispensary needs.

Protecting your dispensary requires much more than stationing a guard at the door. It’s best to hire a security company that has at least a few years of experience in the cannabis industry. Be sure to check their reviews, learn about their business, and confirm that they have the required security guard licenses and insurance to provide security services in your state.

If you’re looking for dispensary security guards in California, visit Security Explorer. Security Explorer is the easiest and most efficient way to find trained, licensed, professional guards and security experts for your California cannabis business.

Check out some of our regional listings for security guard services in California:

• San Francisco
• Sacramento
• Los Angeles

Hiring guards to monitor your dispensary protects your employees, customers, and business license. It also keeps you compliant with state and local laws.

Without guards and a video surveillance system in place, you’re risking your business, the safety of your customers and staff, and the community at large. Visit Security Explorer today to discover talented security staff with the skills to protect your dispensary.

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