What are the New York Cannabis Dispensary Video Security Surveillance and Alarm Requirements?

Where Cameras Must Cover

OCM requires continuous video coverage of all areas where:

• Cannabis is stored
• Cannabis is received, handled, or packaged
• Sales occur
• Cash is stored or counted
• Employees enter or exit
• Customers enter or exit
• The vault or secure storage room is located
• Any restricted-access area exists
• Cannabis is moved in or out of the building

If OCM or law enforcement cannot see an area on video, it is considered unmonitored. Unmonitored space is a violation.

Camera Performance Standards

Cameras must:

• Record continuously, 24 hours per day
• Capture clear images that identify people and activity
• Have sufficient lighting to show movement
• Be positioned to eliminate blind spots

Poor resolution, dark areas, or blocked views fail inspection.

Video Retention Requirements

Operators must:

• Retain video recordings for at least 60 days
• Store footage on a secure system
• Provide OCM with an unaltered copy immediately upon request

Deleted, altered, or unavailable footage is treated as a compliance failure.

Alarm System Requirements

Required Alarm Features

Your alarm system must:

• Detect unauthorized entry into the premises
• Detect unauthorized entry into vault or secure storage rooms
• Notify law enforcement or a central monitoring station
• Include panic buttons if required by local fire or building authorities

Every activation must be documented.

Backup Power Requirements

Security systems must remain operational during a power outage.

Surveillance and alarm systems must:

• Continue functioning without external power
• Operate for at least 8 hours during an outage

If cameras fail during a power interruption, you are out of compliance.

Restricted Access and Internal Controls

Secured Internal Areas

Access must be restricted for:

• Vault or secure storage rooms
• Back-of-house areas
• Product handling rooms
• Delivery intake areas
• Cash storage or counting rooms

Doors must use:

• Electronic access controls
• Keycards, PINs, or biometric systems
• Entry logs that record who entered and when

Employee Access Rules

Operators must ensure:

• Only authorized employees access cannabis or cash
• Access aligns with job duties
• Visitors are escorted at all times
• Contractors are logged and supervised

Unrestricted internal movement increases diversion risk.

Vault and Secure Storage Standards

Cannabis inventory must be stored in:

• A locked room or vault designed for secure storage
• A space constructed with solid walls or reinforced materials
• An area alarmed and under camera coverage at all times

Cannabis may not be stored:

• On the sales floor overnight
• In any unmonitored or unsecured location

Transport and Intake Monitoring

Deliveries must occur:

• In monitored areas
• Away from public view
• Under continuous camera coverage

Unmonitored unloading or intake is treated as a security failure.

Daily Monitoring Responsibilities

Operators must confirm each day that:

• All cameras are functioning
• Alarm systems are active
• Access logs are recording entries
• No blind spots or obstructions exist
• Recording systems are working properly

Daily oversight reduces enforcement risk.

Incident Reporting Requirements

If a security incident occurs, including:

• Theft
• Product loss
• System failure
• Tampering

You must:

• Document the incident
• Notify OCM when required
• Retain all related video footage

Failure to preserve footage escalates enforcement.

What Inspectors Look For

During inspections, OCM checks:

• Camera placement and coverage
• Resolution and lighting
• Backup power capability
• Alarm monitoring functionality
• Vault security
• Access logs
• Propped doors
• Inventory stored in visible or public areas

Any one of these issues can trigger violations.

Why This Matters

Security failures are treated as diversion risks.

Consequences may include:

• Failed inspections
• Corrective action plans
• Stop-sale orders
• Increased inspection frequency
• License suspension or revocation

Your surveillance and alarm system must prove that your store is controlled, monitored, and secure at all times.

Go Here Next

• Inventory Management and METRC
• Zoning and Local Proximity Compliance
• Building Code, Fire Safety, Egress, and Occupancy
• SOPs and Daily Operations
• Inspection and Audit Preparation

Source Material

• 9 NYCRR Part 125.3 (Security and Storage of Cannabis)
• OCM Guidance