Maryland Cannabis Administration Rolls Out New Security Guidelines Amid Rising Dispensary Burglaries
In light of a recent surge in burglaries targeting cannabis dispensaries, the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) has released new security guidelines aimed at protecting these businesses. The primary focus is on the ATMs within the dispensaries, which are considered high-value targets.
Due to federal restrictions on banking for cannabis-related businesses, most dispensaries deal only in cash, making them lucrative targets for thieves. The MCA advises relocating ATMs to less visible and less accessible parts of the facility, such as areas not directly connected to exterior doors. Additional recommendations include anchoring ATMs to walls or floors and using dye packs within the cash boxes as a further deterrent.
The MCA’s security pointers also include a range of other preventative measures like low-light capable security cameras, remote monitoring, ATM alarms, and GPS tracking on ATM machines. Moreover, businesses are advised to install bollards or other barriers in parking lots and to use impact-resistant films for windows and glass doors.
Local law enforcement agencies in Maryland also offer free Commercial/Industrial security surveys, aimed at identifying vulnerabilities in businesses and offering solutions to minimize risks.
While there is a public majority in favor of permitting cannabis businesses to use banking services—55% according to an American Bankers Association survey—the legislative landscape remains uncertain. Even though the Senate Banking Committee approved the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act last month, its future is still unclear due to a lack of a Speaker in the House and political disagreements over the bill’s provisions.
Despite these challenges and delays in Congress, Maryland’s cannabis industry continues to thrive, with record sales for adult-use cannabis in September. The state is also launching new initiatives to prepare social equity licensees for an exclusive licensing round this month.
