The cannabis industry is expected to generate a market volume of $75 billion by 2029. As cannabis legalization spreads across the country, grower and dispensary operations have become attractive investment opportunities.
It is important that systems integrators who service businesses entering the grower market become aware of these regulations and act accordingly, as compliance fines can be costly.
Importance of Cannabis Video Surveillance
Beyond the regulations and requirements for grower and dispensary operations, systems integrators should consider the speed at which this industry is evolving when specifying system requirements and choosing expandable infrastructure. Cannabis operations are growing at a rapid rate, demanding more infrastructure and personnel, which means they quickly become noncompliant if not planning for the future.
In addition to maintaining compliance, video surveillance offers cannabis businesses a range of benefits, such as:
- Crime prevention: Criminals may be deterred by surveillance that captures their facial features and other identifying details.
- Staff efficiency: Monitoring employees might help them work more effectively. It helps deter staff from stealing and engaging in other illegal activities in the store.
- Cost-effective: Video surveillance is more cost-effective than hiring security guards.
- Customer service: When monitored, employees are more likely to offer better customer service, which also helps increase customer loyalty.
Cannabis Video Monitoring Requirements
Systems integrators servicing growers or dispensers in the cannabis industry must understand the regulatory requirements for video surveillance. The right surveillance system can help businesses save money and provide business owners with peace of mind, knowing their investments and employees are protected and poised for future growth.
The three biggest regulatory considerations for cannabis security monitoring are video retention, quality and law enforcement access. Businesses must have a way to store their surveillance videos for future viewing if an issue arises. Video surveillance retention rates depend on state or regional jurisdiction. For example, many states, including California, require that growers store their surveillance recordings for at least 30 days.
Video Retention
The retention period depends on the state. For example, some areas in Washington require companies to keep surveillance videos for a minimum of 45 days.
The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act requires premises to retain the videos for 90 days on-site and another 90 days off-site. The recording system for the building’s security cameras must be kept in a locked, tamper-proof container. Illinois legislation also stipulates that the surveillance system must be able to print a clear still photo from the video footage.
Videos should be categorized and stored for easy access so that a licensing official may view any recording immediately. The software must also allow the business to create copies of the tapes to provide to officials upon request. It must possess capabilities for remote monitoring and management so business owners can ensure that their cameras are never down, which could result in serious ramifications.
Video Quality
In addition, the resolution of the videos should be high enough to show all employees’ actions in those areas clearly. For example, California suggests no less than 1280×720 pixels, and the cameras must monitor every area where cannabis products are stored, restricted access areas, security and surveillance rooms and access points for those areas. Systems integrators must know the regulatory requirements. Since camera resolution directly impacts bandwidth and storage calculations, businesses must consider these parameters when bidding on projects. Other states may not have pixel requirements but enforce compliance with specific monitor sizes or require timestamp data.
Here are a few of the essential video quality requirements:
- The video surveillance system must include a functioning failure notification system that allows business owners to detect and respond to any interruption in the video.
- The system must be able to record all surveillance areas in various lighting conditions.
- The videos must be routinely audited to ensure that cameras work properly.
- Every room with exterior walls, windows and roof hatches must have a camera, except for non-control areas like bathrooms.
- All recordings must display the date and time accurately.
- All entrances and exits must be recorded inside and outside the premises.
Law Enforcement Access
Finally, law enforcement access is required in almost all jurisdictions. This condition can range from having login access to the surveillance files to having images readily available during inspections. The video management software necessary to provide this access will impact the system’s speed and usable storage, so it’s essential to know this when calculating hardware requirements.
The camera placement must capture the facial features of all individuals purchasing or selling cannabis so local authorities can place identifications if necessary. There should be no blind spots. Law enforcement authorities may also request remote access to camera footage. Cameras must record continuously for 24 hours every day, so it’s crucial to have quality surveillance systems that can adequately store large amounts of data.
Get Integrated Security Systems From BCD
Our surveillance solutions can help cannabis businesses adhere to government protocols and make their stores safer and more productive. We provide multi-award-winning hardware and software surveillance and have built more than 200,000 systems that record around four million cameras globally.
No project is too small or too large for our purpose-built solutions. Our level of support is unmatched, and we provide 24/7/365 technical support and an extensive network of tech, operations and support team members. Reap the benefits of our customer loyalty program with rewards like rebates or freight-based remunerations. Contact us and make your business a safer, more compliant space.