As an owner of a cannabis business, have you faced the unfortunate event of having your valuable goods stolen, possibly on more than one occasion? If so, our comprehensive plan for cannabis live security camera monitoring will protect cannabis from seed to sale!
Chances are, you are already acquainted with the basic security aspects of the cannabis industry.
However, a crucial element that could significantly enhance your security measures is live security camera monitoring.
It doesn’t mean a security guard is sitting there to watch all the security cameras!
Live CCTV monitoring in the cannabis industry is all about alarms triggered as soon as thefts, break-ins, vandalism, or other incidents are detected.
Remote operators stationed at the monitoring center, where your security devices are connected, quickly intervene upon detecting suspicious activities. Their prompt response helps in minimizing potential losses and damages.
By the end of this post, you will have a comprehensive understanding of what is involved in a complete plan for cannabis live security camera monitoring.
We’ve got you covered, from the technical aspects of system integration to the strategic placement of cameras.
Cannabis security system requirements by law.
Cannabis businesses across Canadian cities are now legally allowed to sell and purchase marijuana; this has led to more marijuana availability and more thefts!
Canadian legislation has established a set of mandatory requirements designed to enhance safety around marijuana. Here is a summary of cannabis regulations:
- Protect the perimeter of the cannabis site:
The law mandates that visual recording devices continuously monitor the cannabis facility’s perimeter to identify unauthorized access.
- High-quality visual recording:
The devices must be capable of making a high-quality recording of any attempted or unauthorized access.
- Install an intrusion detection system:
The site’s perimeter must be secured using an intrusion detection system that operates at all times and allows for the detection of any unauthorized access.
- Maintain a record of detected occurrences:
If any such occurrence is detected, the license holder must ensure that a document containing the date and time of the occurrence and the response to it is retained.
If we comply with the requirements, your cannabis business should be safe from break-ins, theft, and other unwanted activity! However, it’s not just about detecting or recording.
It is all about spotting incidents early and keeping them from getting worse!
This is where remote video monitoring steps in and makes your cannabis security plan more comprehensive!
Remote video monitoring services not only meet the authorities’ requirements but also provide an added layer of security through quick detection and rapid response.
Let us show you how:
Why do you need live security camera surveillance as part of your cannabis security plan?
Escalating theft incidents in cannabis dispensaries and farms:
Since marijuana purchases and sales have been legalized recently, the industry is in the infant stages, learning to implement the different rules and regulations.
Cannabis dispensary owners were prohibited from having transparent windows and were required to cover them to prevent window displays of cannabis products.
However, thefts skyrocketed due to full window coverings!
The thefts across marijuana dispensaries and farms are reaching new tolls on a daily basis.
Cannabis thieves are not limited to breaking in at night; they can also commit smash and grab, vault breaking, gunpoint snatching, organized gang crime, and masked vandal burglaries.
Why? Cannabis products, particularly in their raw form, are difficult to trace, leading to rapid sales with little to no inventory kept on-site.
This results in a lack of evidence in case of theft. To address this, installing CCTV cameras equipped with AI is necessary.
These cameras can detect intruders immediately upon attempted break-ins and activate alarms, enhancing security.
Quicker fire detection:
Another big issue you might face when stacking cannabis is that, because of CO2 enrichment, cannabis can ignite a fire.
The use of fertilizer, the possibility of racks collapsing during rack storage, flammable liquids during extraction procedures, and other factors could all contribute to the facility catching fire.
By using sophisticated video analytics on cameras to identify smoke and prevent fires, remote video monitoring can prevent losses worth millions of dollars.
Step #1: Assess where you need live security surveillance in your cannabis business.
Security breaches at cannabis businesses come from two sources: external thefts and internal thefts.
To detect intrusion, you need to place CCTV security cameras for live surveillance at the following places:
- Entrances and exits:
Placing cameras at main entrances, employee entrances, and loading docks can be very useful. You can detect trespassing, significantly reducing shoplifting, break-ins, etc.
- Distribution hubs:
While transporting goods from the van or truck into the shop or between cannabis stores, thieves can swiftly make off with finished products.
To detect security breaches, you can place PTZ cameras to keep a good eye on distribution centers, shipping areas, and loading bays.
- Perimeter security:
For effective trespasser deterrence and early threat detection, install cameras at perimeter fences, gates, and outdoor cultivation zones.
Read our blog to find out how you can effectively secure your cannabis perimeter from intrusion!
- Parking lots:
Remote video monitoring enables the prompt detection of intruders and suspicious behavior in parking areas, swiftly activating alarms at the monitoring center.
This efficient surveillance method allows for the effective oversight of activities, including auto parts theft and fuel siphoning, as well as the protection of trucks or vans laden with inventory.
Next, to ensure the security of your cannabis, whether in raw form, oil, lotion, edibles, or any other form, protection from internal theft (by employees, contractors, loading personnel, etc.) is crucial.
Enhancing live monitoring in key areas such as:
- Processing and extraction zones:
To protect processing equipment and extracted products, cameras should be placed to cover processing machinery and extraction areas.
- Storage facilities:
To safeguard stored cannabis products from theft, installing dome cameras is advisable, as they provide a 360-degree comprehensive view of storage rooms, vaults, and product storage areas.
STEP #2: Add physical security to your cannabis security plan.
Metal gates:
Sturdy steel gates, equipped with robust gear hinges, can be installed at both cannabis farms and dispensaries.
These heavy-duty metal gates offer a cost-effective solution, serving as a deterrent to potential intruders.
Scissor gates:
Scissor gates span the entire length of storefronts and are retractable for concealment when the business is operational.
Panic buttons in case of robberies:
Panic buttons are installed to quickly respond to urgent security situations, such as robberies or threats, ensuring staff safety during such events.
These buttons when integrated with remote video surveillance offer a quick and direct way for employees to alert authorities or trigger emergency response systems.
The rapid response facilitated by the remote operators at the operating station is vital for ensuring the safety of personnel and customers during high-stress situations.
Storage Locks:
Despite you choosing remote video monitoring, it is better to even double protect your inventories with secure locks.
These locks are installed on storage units, vaults, or specific areas where cannabis products are kept.
Enhancing the security of your vaults and inventory rooms with RFID (radio frequency identification) fobs or tags offers unparalleled protection.
These RFID tags are seamlessly integrated with remote video surveillance, allowing you to manage access to various areas for different individuals.
When an employee stops working at your facility, you can just cancel the employee’s access.
High-quality CCTV:
Failing to maintain clear and unobstructed views of licensed premises with your CCTV cameras, leading to blind spots or visual obstructions, constitutes a violation of the Cannabis Act.
Such non-compliance could lead to significant fines.
Cannabis physical security regulations across Canada are:
- Outdoor and low-light interior areas require day/night cameras
- Minimum resolution: 600 lines per inch (analog) or D1 (IP)
- Minimum light factor: 0.7 LUX
- Outdoor cameras must operate in site-appropriate temperature ranges
- Weatherproof design for resilience against environmental conditions
- Capable of recording individuals at the perimeter in low light and dark conditions
- Built-in night vision features such as near-infrared (NIR) and infrared (IR) illumination.
Based on the above requirements by the cannabis act, we have listed a few high-quality reputable CCTV camera brands:
- Axis Communications: Axis is well-known for producing high-quality IP cameras with various features suitable for different environments.
- Bosch Security Systems: Bosch is recognized for its reliable security and surveillance products, including cameras designed for challenging lighting conditions.
The primary advantage of CCTV cameras is the ability to remotely access and monitor operations across various cannabis dispensaries or farms, offering comprehensive site oversight.
Step #3: What live monitoring services do you need for cannabis real-time security surveillance?
Huge cannabis facilities can be as big as 24 hectares. This calls for comprehensive vigilance. You need to keep an eye on everything and everywhere!
If your cannabis business is stocked with a substantial quantity of high-value goods, especially in areas with higher crime statistics, the implementation of remote video monitoring becomes imperative.
This is facilitated by the extensive coverage provided by remote video monitoring, which a security guard can undoubtedly not accomplish!
By keeping an eye on everything around you in real-time, you can minimize blind spots and ensure that no area is left unmonitored.
Real-time video monitoring enables security personnel to respond promptly to security incidents. The ability to assess situations in real time allows for quick decision-making and intervention.
AI video analytics improves cannabis businesses’ security:
Technology is advancing along with thieves, and integrating AI video analytics with CCTV security cameras allows for even more proactive security breach detection.
Some AI technology solutions can improve cannabis security:
1. Object detection:
The camera AI detects unauthorized entry by identifying unusual movement by a car or a person during surveillance hours.
Upon detection, the system triggers an alarm at the security operations center. A remote operator quickly reviews the camera footage and act accordingly.
2. License plate recognition:
The camera’s AI efficiently detects and records the license plates of vehicles entering and exiting the facility, storing this information in a dedicated database.
This becomes particularly advantageous in the event of a vehicle being implicated in illicit activities, as the captured license plate serves as crucial evidence for subsequent investigations.
Moreover, in monitored areas, the implementation of license plate recognition technology enables the establishment of specific triggers for individual license plates.
This targeted approach proves highly effective in swiftly identifying instances of unauthorized access or parking violations.
3. Smoke and fire detection AI solution:
It detects the earliest signs of fire hazards and consequently sends an alarm to the security operations for swift footage examination, thereby enabling a prompt response by security operators.
Given that cannabis facilities present a huge fire potential at all stages, a proactive security solution is, therefore, necessary.
Upon activation of the alarm, the remote operators evaluate the circumstances and, without delay, take action by getting in touch with the responsible personnel or the fire department.
4. Loitering detection:
Whether it is being weighed, packed, stored, bought, sold, displayed, or loaded or unloaded, cannabis can be stolen at any point!
Such precious commodities need to be saved from loiterers at all the above stages of cannabis. An alarm is activated once the camera AI identifies individuals lingering on your property beyond a predetermined duration.
By using real-time video feeds to evaluate the situation, the remote operator can intervene when needed. Audio interventions through on-site loudspeakers usually prove effective.
In the rare cases where they are not sufficient, the operators may call the police, dispatch a security team or reach out to the site’s listed emergency contact depending on each client’s SOP.
Integration of access controls with remote video monitoring:
Once you have strong perimeter security via CCTV surveillance cameras, it is now essential that you create strong access controls via remote video monitoring.
Controlling access to your cannabis business means you have control over who goes in and comes out, and you can also keep tabs on who stays for how long. Cool right?
This can be accomplished through remote gate access control, which allows you to grant either partial or full access to remote operators.
The setup is straightforward: whenever a visitor arrives at the gate, the remote operator conducts a verification process by asking several questions to confirm the visitor’s identity before granting entry.
Why do you need real-time cannabis video surveillance for your dispensary?
Comprehensive Surveillance:
Remote video monitoring provides expansive coverage across larger facilities. By ensuring that every area is under constant surveillance, you get comprehensive oversight.
This surveillance deters potential security threats and allows for swift responses to incidents.
Reduced Security Blind Spots:
Larger operations often have complex layouts, leading to potential security blind spots. Remote monitoring helps eliminate these blind spots.
This can be achieved by overlapping cameras as well as using PTZ cameras for a good 360-degree visibility of all critical areas.
Immediate Threat Response:
Real-time video monitoring enables security personnel to respond promptly to security incidents. The ability to assess situations in real-time allows for quick intervention.
When you have access to live video feeds you can also make better decisions.
Centralized Monitoring for Multi-Site Operations:
Larger dispensaries or farms with multiple locations can benefit from centralized monitoring. Additionally, remote video surveillace systems can be integrated, which allows for the simultaneous monitoring of multiple sites from a single control center.
Mitigation of False Alarms:
Advanced analysis in remote monitoring systems help tell apart real security threats and false alarms. This lowers the chance of unneeded responses to harmless situations, saving resources and stopping interruptions.
Continuous Surveillance:
Remote video monitoring ensures continuous surveillance, providing security and peace of mind even during non-business hours when on-site security personnel may be limited.
Scalability for Growing Operations:
As your cannabis business expands, remote video monitoring systems can easily scale to accommodate your growing security needs.
Consequently, this scalability ensures that security measures remain effective and proportional to the business’s size and complexity.
Evidence Collection for Investigations:
Recorded video footage becomes crucial evidence for investigations during security incidents, with remote monitoring systems providing reliable records of events.
Additionally, this capability aligns with the Cannabis Act’s requirements. It ensures recording the date, time, and response to any security incidents, boosting compliance and security checks.
Cannabis real-time video security surveillance saves you money:
When you opt for a proactive security solution like remote video monitoring, thefts and other incidents are caught before they get worse.
You minimize the risk of valuable cannabis products being stolen. So, it helps to save you financial losses associated with theft-related incidents.
Preventing vandalism and damage through live monitoring contributes further to cost savings by reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
When your cannabis business security measures align with insurance industry standards, insurance companies offer lower premiums.
By protecting your cannabis store or farm and following to the Cannabis Act. This safeguards you against costly fines and legal disputes.
Enhanced employee accountability and productivity are notable advantages of remote monitoring.
Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of this approach highlights the financial benefits of real-time video security surveillance.
Who can benefit from a comprehensive plan for cannabis live security camera monitoring:
Cannabis Growers and Cultivators:
Live monitoring helps growers protect their valuable crops from theft, damage, or unapproved access.
Dispensary Owners:
Theft Prevention: Live monitoring can deter theft. It also assists in the fast recognition of any suspicious activities within and around the dispensary.
Regulatory Authorities:
Authorities can use live monitoring as a tool to ensure that cannabis facilities are following security regulations and protocols.
Law Enforcement:
Live monitoring helps stop illegal activities around marijuana places, aiding the police in keeping the community safe.
Insurance Companies:
A sturdy security system can decrease the risk of theft and other incidents. This could, in turn, result in reduced insurance premiums for marijuana businesses.
Furthermore, in the event of a claim, insurance companies can use recorded footage to check if the reported incidents are real.
How remote video surveillance helps to abide by the cannabis act:
| Cannabis Act Requirement | How Remote Video Surveillance Helps |
|---|---|
| Protect the perimeter of the cannabis site | Continuous monitoring via remote video surveillance ensures a constant watch on the facility’s perimeter, promptly identifying any unauthorized access. |
| High-quality visual recording | Remote video surveillance devices are capable of high-quality recording, meeting the standards for capturing attempted or unauthorized access with clarity and detail. |
| Install intrusion detection system | Remote video surveillance integrates with intrusion detection ensuring the continuous operation of security measures to detect and respond to any unauthorized access promptly. |
| Maintain a record of detected occurrences | Remote video surveillance systems maintain a comprehensive record of detected incidents, providing a documented timeline of events as required by the Cannabis Act. This record aids in compliance and investigations. |
Conclusion:
Enhance the safety and compliance of your cannabis business with our comprehensive live security camera monitoring plan.
Covering everything from protecting expensive items to meeting legal requirements, our approach also integrates remote video monitoring for enhanced security.
The guide specifically emphasizes remote video monitoring equipped with AI features, aiming for proactive security.
Contact us today to learn more about cannabis security solutions, including video surveillance, remote monitoring, access control, and other security methods to address your needs and challenges.
