Build Confidence and Compliance Into Your Dispensary’s Security Plan
With Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis market opening up, dispensary owners and property developers face a critical question: how do you design a retail space that not only meets state requirements but also operates securely and efficiently from day one?
At In-Focus Systems, we specialize in high-performing security and automation solutions for regulated environments, including cannabis facilities. As Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) continues to outline retail requirements, it’s clear that proactive security planning is more than a good practice; it’s essential for licensing, loss prevention, and long-term viability.
Below, we explore how to align your buildout with the most recent dispensary security expectations and what to include in your operational plan to stay ahead.
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Understanding Minnesota’s Security Requirements
Although retail regulations for adult-use dispensaries are new, existing medical cannabis guidelines and national best practices offer a solid foundation. Based on current OCM directives and industry norms, here’s what you’ll need:
- 24/7 Video Surveillance: Every dispensary will need a complete surveillance system covering entry/exit points, limited access areas, vaults, retail sales floors, and delivery zones. Plan to store footage for at least 90 days, using high-definition cameras with time/date stamps and reliable backup power.
- Access Control: Restrict access to secure zones using employee badges and electronic systems with audit logs. All entries and exits should be tracked. For visitor protocols, require sign-ins, escorts, and time limits in sensitive areas.
- Delivery Protocols: Cannabis product deliveries must be received in controlled environments. Outline how and where deliveries will occur, how items are verified, and where they’re secured immediately, such as a designated vault or storage room.
- Locking Mechanisms: Use commercial-grade locks on all access doors and storage areas. Safes or vaults for cannabis products should be UL-rated and equipped with alarm integration. Emergency door alarms should connect to your intrusion monitoring system.
- Lighting & Staffing: Exterior lighting for entry points and parking areas must be sufficient for visibility and surveillance. Inside, secure zones must be staffed appropriately during operational hours. Include these details in your OCM application to demonstrate active supervision.
- Log & Record Maintenance: Surveillance footage, access logs, visitor records, alarm events, and incident reports must all be retained and available for audits. Automating recordkeeping through your integrated system can streamline compliance and inspections.
What Your Written Security Plan Should Include
To meet current licensing expectations as well ready your business for potential future changes, your dispensary should have a comprehensive security plan that includes:
- Site Plan: A layout identifying “limited access areas,” secure product storage, delivery zones, and public retail spaces.
- System Specifications: Surveillance resolution, retention capabilities, camera coverage zones, and system power redundancies.
- Operational Procedures: Who has access to what, when, and how. Include employee credentialing, delivery intake, and visitor management.
- Staffing Plan: Define hours of operation, staff roles in secure areas, and coverage during deliveries and opening/closing procedures.
- Technology Infrastructure: Describe alarm systems, access control solutions, video management software, and how they’re monitored.
In-Focus Systems Offers Compliance-Ready Solutions
Navigating cannabis regulations while building out a new retail location is complex. That’s why In-Focus Systems works directly with your project team, including developers, architects, contractors, and security leads, to create integrated solutions that can pass inspections and perform reliably.
Whether you need multi-zone access control, cloud-based surveillance storage, intrusion alerts, or backup system redundancy, we’ll design, install, and support a custom-tailored system that supports compliance regulations and daily operations.
Even better? We stay on top of updates from the OCM, so your setup stays ready for any future changes to Minnesota’s cannabis regulations.
Start Smart. Stay Secure.
A solid security plan gives your dispensary an advantage every step of the way, from license application to day-to-day operations. Let’s build a system that keeps your team compliant, your product safe, and your operation moving.
Ready to secure your cannabis retail space? Contact In-Focus Systems to schedule a security consultation now.
