Cannabis Dispensaries Deserve Better Security Options

You’ve carefully curated a selection of top-shelf cannabis strains, delectable edibles, and a welcoming atmosphere. Your dispensary is your pride and joy, a testament to this burgeoning industry. Then, one morning, you stroll up to your business only to see the shattered remains of your storefront. Despite your dedication to installing the best dispensary security options available, you’ve become the victim of a smash-and-grab theft.

This story is hardly fiction. Dispensaries across America face a harsh reality—they’re prime targets for criminals. In just the last few years, the news has been rife with stories of cannabis dispensaries falling victim to brazen acts of theft, vandalism, and violence, using a combination of armed robbery, vehicular assault, smash-and-grab, and stealth.

It’s a tired narrative. Despite following some of the most stringent security regulations of any industry, cannabis businesses find themselves the target of crime over and over. There must be a better dispensary security option out there… one that keeps your store out of the local police blotter.

Recent Cannabis Crime Stories

Want examples of criminals attacking cannabis businesses? Read on.

• California Chaos: Thieves with handguns hit a Culver City dispensary in December 2023. They took over 100 pounds of marijuana.
• Security Lapse in Seattle: A truck rammed into a south Seattle cannabis shop in the early hours of March 20, 2024. The driver(s) made off with an undisclosed amount of product. Another shop was smashed the night before, with thousands in inventory stolen.
• Windy City Woes: Two burglars used an SUV to gain access to a cannabis shop in Chicago’s South Loop. It was one of four businesses targeted that night.
• Battle in the Bronx: Three suspects violently beat a store employee at a cannabis shop in New York. They fled with $260 worth of product.
• Crime Ring in Colorado: A group of at least 23 individuals robbed dozens of dispensaries in Colorado, making off with nearly $800,000 in cash and products. One store suffered $20,000 in damage and lost $40,000 in merchandise.
• San Francisco Threat: “Professional looking” thieves casually forced their way into a store in San Francisco, making off with $100,000 worth of products.
• Mayhem in Maine: A group that police believe was responsible for a string of dispensary robberies cut through the wall of a pot shop near Portland, Maine. The thieves took 30 pounds of flower and 500 vape cartridges valued at $59,000.

Though there hasn’t been an effort to track nationwide crime statistics for the industry, it’s sorely needed. Some states have started gathering data. The Craft Cannabis Coalition, for example, reports that there were 102 armed robberies at Washington dispensaries in 2022. It’s a brutal statistic, illuminating an industry under siege.

Why Is Crime Still Such a Problem for the Cannabis Industry?

Cannabis dispensaries are a popular target. Much of the industry is still cash-only since banks are skittish about partnering with retail marijuana shops. And the inventory itself can be consumed or easily resold on the black market.

And here’s the kicker: this issue of rampant crime is completely unnecessary. Cannabis dispensaries are subject to some of the strictest safety regulations of any retail environment.

From alarm systems to safes to panic buttons, these businesses have already heavily invested in preventative measures. Yet, criminals continue to attack. Why? And how?

Because the current security model is reactive, not proactive. Think about it—a blaring alarm or CCTV recording might deter a casual crook. But for those willing to escalate, it’s merely an inconvenience.

Managers deserve better dispensary security options. They need solutions that deliver immediate intervention, swift apprehension, and a clear message to would-be thieves. The message? Messing with this dispensary is a bad idea.

Better Dispensary Security Options Are Emerging

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of advanced security solutions tailored to the unique needs of cannabis dispensaries. Imagine a scenario where threats are met with swift and decisive action, where perpetrators are confronted before they can inflict harm or abscond with valuable merchandise. This isn’t wishful thinking. It’s the future of cannabis dispensary security.

Enter the era of live intervention—a paradigm shift that leverages cutting-edge technology and proactive monitoring to thwart criminal activity proactively. With real-time surveillance and remote intervention capabilities, security personnel can swiftly respond to emerging threats, turning the tables on would-be perpetrators and safeguarding cannabis dispensaries.

This isn’t some futuristic fantasy. These technologies exist. And they’re changing the game for dispensaries across the country. These innovative security solutions can empower dispensary owners to regain control and safeguard their businesses.

Because let’s face it: cannabis may ease tension, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of the business itself feeling constantly on edge.

The Power of Instant Response

In the high-stakes game of cannabis dispensary security, every second counts. That’s why instant response capabilities are the cornerstone of effective security protocols. Whether it’s a break-in, a disturbance, or a suspicious individual loitering nearby, rapid response teams are poised to spring into action.

Thanks to seamless collaboration with law enforcement agencies and emergency responders, cannabis dispensaries with instant response systems enjoy unparalleled peace of mind, knowing that help is just moments away.

Simply put, a fast response gives the bad guys a smaller window of opportunity for their criminal deeds.