Security Plan (Cannabis Retail)

What This Covers

• Required elements of a written security plan
• Video surveillance standards
• Alarm system requirements
• Access control rules
• Secure cannabis storage
• Incident reporting obligations

Core Security Plan Requirements

Your written security plan must meet baseline regulatory standards.

• Be formally approved by the licensee
• Address risks including theft, diversion, loss, and emergencies
• Define staff roles, responsibilities, and reporting procedures
• Include procedures for securing:
  • Cannabis
  • Cash
  • Sensitive and restricted areas
• Be updated when material changes occur, including:
  • Staffing changes
  • Store layout changes
  • Equipment or system changes

The plan must reflect how the store actually operates.

Video Surveillance Requirements

Continuous video monitoring is required.

• 24/7 coverage of:
  • All areas where cannabis is stored, sold, or handled
  • All cash-handling areas
  • Entrances, exits, and sensitive locations
• Surveillance footage must:
  • Record continuously
  • Be stored securely for at least 30 days
  • Be accessible during inspections
  • Show clear, unobstructed views
• Blind spots are not permitted

Alarm System Requirements

A functional alarm system is required.

• Alarm coverage must include:
  • Store perimeter
  • Cannabis storage areas
  • Cash storage areas
  • Product access points
• Alarms must:
  • Detect intrusion, tampering, or unauthorized access
  • Be monitored or self-report in real time
• Every alarm activation must generate an incident log entry, including:
  • Date and time
  • Staff response
  • Outcome or resolution

Access Control Standards

Access to secure areas must be restricted.

• Only trained, authorized employees may enter secure areas
• Access controls may include:
  • Keys
  • Badges
  • Codes
  • Biometric systems
• Systems must:
  • Log every entry and exit
  • Record names, times, and purpose
• Public and employee-only areas must be clearly separated

Customers may never access storage or back-of-house areas.

Secure Cannabis Storage

Cannabis must be stored in locked, compliant areas.

• Use safes or restricted-access rooms appropriate to product value
• Limit access to licensed employees only
• Log all storage activity in the inventory tracking system
• Storage must protect against:
  • Theft and diversion
  • Damage or contamination
  • Spoilage or environmental exposure

Incident Reporting

All security incidents must be logged immediately.

• Incidents include:
  • Theft, diversion, or loss
  • Break-ins or attempted break-ins
  • Alarm activations
  • Equipment failures affecting compliance
• Incident logs must include:
  • Date and time
  • Individuals involved
  • Description and outcome
  • Corrective action taken
• Inventory discrepancies must be updated in METRC
• OCM must be notified if reporting thresholds are exceeded

What Operators Usually Miss

• Security plans must match real operations
• Alarm activations always require documentation
• Blind spots are not allowed
• Incident logs are reviewed during inspections

When This Comes Up

• Pre-opening inspections
• Security audits
• Theft or loss events
• License renewal
• OCM compliance reviews

What Happens If You Ignore This

• Violations or fines
• License suspension or conditions
• Mandatory corrective action
• Increased inspection frequency

Related Pages

• Dispensary Operations
• Inspections & Preparation
• Security Systems and Monitoring Requirements
• Security and Storage Requirements

Source Material

• Inventory Storage and Secure Access
• Adult-Use Regulations (MRTA Article 4)