Beyond great customer service and stellar products, running a cannabis shop is all about security. The cannabis industry is growing steadily, so it faces plenty of unique security challenges. To safeguard your business, discover these four effective strategies for protecting your cannabis shop.
1. Install High-Quality Surveillance Systems
A high-quality surveillance system lets you monitor activities in real time and review footage if an incident occurs. Position cameras strategically to cover areas like entrances, exits, product displays, and storage areas.
Make sure your system complies with local cannabis regulations, which often require video retention for a set period (generally around 30 to 90 days). Additionally, invest in cameras with high resolution and night vision capabilities for clear, around-the-clock footage.
2. Use Electronic Locks on Doors
Traditional locks may not cut it when securing a cannabis retail space, so that’s where electronic locks come in. These advanced locking systems provide superior access control you can integrate into your overall security system.
There are many benefits of using electronic locks on commercial doors since they allow you to manage who enters specific areas of your shop. Additionally, you can set up access codes or use mobile credentials for your team to restrict unauthorized individuals. Many electronic locks also track entry data, giving you a detailed record of anyone who has entered or exited.
3. Secure Your Inventory With High-Security Storage
Cannabis products are valuable, making backroom storage an obvious target for theft. Invest in high-security storage solutions like vaults or locked cabinets made of tamper-proof materials. When paired with your electronic locks, these measures help you double down on security.
If possible, keep only the products you need for daily sales on the shop floor and secure the rest in the back room to reduce losses in case of a security breach.
4. Train Your Staff on Security Best Practices
Train your employees in recognizing security threats and responding appropriately. In the cannabis industry, routine training sessions on how to handle situations such as theft, unauthorized access, or even potential emergencies are non-negotiable.
Empower your staff to act as the first line of defense by creating well-defined protocols and emphasizing the importance of vigilance. Plus, make it a point to display emergency contact numbers and procedures clearly in the shop.
Safeguard Your Shop Today
Protecting your cannabis shop is about finding the right balance between technology, staff training, and operational efficiency. Now that you know four strategies for protecting your cannabis shop, you can build a strong foundation that will keep your shop safe. By prioritizing these strategies, you’re not just protecting your assets—you’re safeguarding your business’s reputation.