Dispensaries safeguard their inventory, money, and clientele.

Dispensaries safeguard their inventory, money, and clientele.

The High-Stakes World of Dispensary Security

Just for a moment, let’s imagine you had grand plans of robbing a store. But not just any store; you want the perfect target, one loaded with valuable merchandise or overflowing with cash. Well, look no further than your friendly neighborhood cannabis dispensary. It’s a jackpot waiting to be cracked.

Why, you may ask? It all boils down to the fact that cannabis, despite its widespread acceptance, remains illegal under federal law. As a result, dispensaries have no choice but to operate as cash-only businesses. And let’s not forget that stolen cannabis can be easily sold on the black market. So, how much cash and product do these dispensaries keep on hand? Well, for larger shops, we’re talking about a casual $100,000 to $200,000 in cash alone, along with a comparable amount in inventory. Not too shabby, huh? But for smaller dispensaries, losing that much money could be a knockout blow.

Now, I must admit that it’s not easy to find concrete data on dispensary robberies. As one store owner so eloquently put it, “the cops couldn’t care less.” However, according to stats shared by Adán Espino, former executive director of the Craft Cannabis Coalition, dispensaries in Washington state reported 102 armed robberies and burglaries in 2022. That’s roughly one every 3.6 days! Talk about high-frequency crime.

Given these high stakes, you might wonder how these dispensaries manage to keep their cash, merchandise, customers, and staff safe. It ain’t a walk in the park, I’ll tell you that.

Firstly, state and city ordinances dictate where these shops can be located, often forcing them into sketchy neighborhoods or deserted areas. It’s like playing hide-and-seek with criminals. To make matters worse, some states explicitly prohibit dispensary owners from arming themselves, making them easy targets for the bad guys. However, don’t be fooled by appearances. Whether it’s a high-security fortress with barred windows and plexiglass barriers or a charming spa-like boutique with cute budtenders and zero cameras, every dispensary must comply with a mountain of security regulations. Believe me, Big Brother’s watching your every move, even if you can’t spot the surveillance cameras.

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Let’s take a moment to appreciate the precautions taken by Trulieve, one of the largest multistate operators in the country. Not only do they have cameras at every transaction point, entrance, exit, and parking lot, but their delivery trucks are also equipped with cameras and GPS trackers. And get this: they have between 30 and 40 people monitoring their camera systems 24/7. It’s like a real-life version of “Big Brother: Dispensary Edition.” They even employ artificial intelligence that can detect when the lobby gets a little too crowded. Talk about futuristic security measures!

Sometimes, though, it’s not just about high-tech gadgets and surveilling every nook and cranny. Take Steve Weiner, owner of Bighorn Weed Company in Taos, New Mexico, for example. With a background in the U.S. Navy, including top-secret security clearance, Weiner takes a holistic approach to dispensary security. His philosophy? A laid-back, low-key vibe that doesn’t scream “hey, rob me!” It’s like visiting a wine shop in Sonoma County, except instead of spotting bottles behind glass, you’re greeted by an upright piano straight from a wild west saloon. It’s all about psychological tactics and compartmentalization, letting only a select few access the inner sanctum of their stash.

But what happens when the bad guys get clever and decide to crash a car through the dispensary wall? Well, that’s where the innovative minds at Deep Sentinel come in. This security company from Pleasantville, California has seen it all, including a surprising number of car ramming incidents. Fortunately, their AI-assisted cameras can quickly detect suspicious activity and alert off-site guards, who have the power to sound the alarm and scare away any mischief-makers through a speaker system. And get this, they’re even working on a secret weapon: a smoke deterrent that drops from the ceiling when triggered, turning the dispensary into a hazy maze of confusion. Good luck trying to swipe those jars of Crunch Berry Kush now!

With dispensaries becoming increasingly popular and cash-laden, you might wonder why they don’t just allow credit card purchases. Well, the cannabis community has been pushing Congress to pass the SAFE Banking Act, which would solve this problem. But until that happens, cash remains king, and the crown jewels will always attract those with a crowbar.

So, next time you step into a dispensary, take a moment to appreciate the intricate dance of security measures happening behind the scenes. It’s a world where humble weed shops become fortresses, and the battle between good and bad unfolds like an epic heist movie, minus the glamorous criminals in tuxedos. Remember, while you’re there to enjoy your favorite strain, someone else might be plotting their own version of “Oceans Eleven.” Stay safe, folks!