As a company in the cannabis industry in Florida, would your operation be able to withstand the loss of any cannabis and cash in the event of a break in or robbery?
Most likely not.
Whether you operate a medicinal marijuana dispensary or grow operation, security is paramount. In fact, most cannabis regulations in states where its use is legal require that growers, storage facilities, and dispensaries have advanced video security systems on their premises. Florida’s state regulations regarding medical marijuana is written as follows:
To ensure the safety and security of premises where the cultivation, processing, storing, or dispensing of marijuana occurs, and to maintain adequate controls against the diversion, theft, and loss of marijuana or marijuana delivery devices, a medical marijuana treatment center shall:
• Maintain a fully operational security alarm system that secures all entry points and perimeter windows and is equipped with motion detectors; pressure switches; and duress, panic, and hold-up alarms; and
• Maintain a video surveillance system that records continuously 24 hours a day and meets the following criteria:
(I) Cameras are fixed in a place that allows for the clear identification of persons and activities in controlled areas of the premises. Controlled areas include grow rooms, processing rooms, storage rooms, disposal rooms or areas, and point-of-sale rooms.
(II) Cameras are fixed in entrances and exits to the premises, which shall record from both indoor and outdoor, or ingress and egress, vantage points.
(III) Recorded images must clearly and accurately display the time and date.
(IV) Retain video surveillance recordings for at least 45 days or longer upon the request of a law enforcement agency.
“With so many regulations in the marijuana industry in Florida, keeping up to date on the security regulations and staying in compliance can be quite the challenge,” says Jeremy Stewart, VP of Global Marketing for Swann Communications.
Since the industry is mainly a cash business appealing to thieves, Stewart notes that both growers and sellers have to safeguard their product and at the same time protect their profits from theft.
“Security concerns are common in the cannabis industry as more states begin to legalize either recreational or medical marijuana,” adds Jeremy Stewart. “It’s a product that is moving away from the black market so naturally there is some cause for concern.”
From its more than 30 years of experience providing security solutions for homes and businesses, Swann Communications has the tools and strategies to help with your cannabis security needs, according to Stewart.
“We recognized that there was demand for sophisticated security needs in this market,” he says. “We have the expertise that those in the cannabis industry need and we offer a variety of affordable and compliant security solutions.”
The security company, founded by David Swann in his family home in Melbourne, Australia, has a presence in over 40 countries on 6 continents with offices in the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and China. Swann pioneered the category of Do-it- Yourself security. In its years of operation the company has helped hundreds of thousands of homes, businesses and communities feel safer.
Swann offers a variety of security solutions to help protect, and stay connected to, your property. Most of its security systems have 4 to 16 channel options, suitable for large properties and businesses, and provide remote viewing, enabling you to view security footage remotely either from a computer, your smartphone or tablet. Nearly all of its security cameras have night vision, are IP66 or IP67 weather rated so it’s suitable for the outdoors.
One of the most exciting developments Swann has introduced to security this year is a positive for the cannabis industry. Most Swann systems launched this year will feature True DetectTM heat and motion sensing technology, meaning they can detect people and cars, avoiding false triggers from wind, leaves and rain. Once triggered, today’s cameras can send you a push notification on your Smartphone and commence recording. It saves you unnecessary worry and lets you know what’s happening almost instantly, meaning you can record more of the incidents and activity you care about.
No matter your needs, Stewart notes that Swann will design and develop a security system that not only protects your inventory but also ensures compliance with Florida state law.
“As with all of the security solutions that we offer to our customers, early detection and prevention of potential loss is our primary objective,” he says. “If you have the proper security system and protocols in place, it will help prevent losses and keep your product safe and protected giving you peace of mind.”
