Table of Contents
Table of Contents
With regulations demanding continuous video monitoring and extended footage retention, cannabis businesses need a reliable, scalable storage solution that adapts to evolving requirements. In this article we’ll walk you through many of the requirements themselves, solutions to them and we’ll showcase just how cloud storage is your best bet to make your journey that much easier when it comes to cannabis security.
Why security compliance is essential in the cannabis industry
Security compliance is crucial in the cannabis industry to protect businesses from legal repercussions and financial losses. Strict regulations mandate comprehensive video security systems, including high-resolution cameras at all entry points and areas containing cannabis products. These systems must record continuously and retain footage for periods ranging from 30 to 120 days, depending on state requirements. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, license suspensions, or even business closures, underscoring the importance of adhering to these standards.
Beyond legal obligations, robust security measures build consumer trust and safeguard valuable assets. Effective security deters theft and ensures product integrity, which is vital in an industry handling high-value goods. Implementing scalable cloud storage solutions allows cannabis businesses to meet regulatory requirements efficiently, offering flexibility to adapt to evolving compliance standards. By prioritizing security compliance, cannabis enterprises not only protect their operations but also enhance their reputation in a competitive market.
The U.S. cannabis market is projected to reach $35.2 billion in 2025, reflecting a 12.1% growth from 2024. This rapid expansion underscores the critical need for cannabis businesses to implement robust security measures to protect their valuable inventory and profits.
Beyond legal obligations, robust security measures build consumer trust and safeguard valuable assets. Effective security deters theft and ensures product integrity, which is vital in an industry handling high-value goods. Implementing scalable cloud storage solutions allows cannabis businesses to meet regulatory requirements efficiently, offering flexibility to adapt to evolving compliance standards. By prioritizing security compliance, cannabis enterprises not only protect their operations but also enhance their reputation in a competitive market.
The U.S. cannabis market is projected to reach $35.2 billion in 2025, reflecting a 12.1% growth from 2024. This rapid expansion underscores the critical need for cannabis businesses to implement robust security measures to protect their valuable inventory and profits.
Cannabis video security requirements: What dispensaries need to know
Operating a cannabis dispensary in the U.S. requires strict adherence to video security regulations to ensure compliance and protect your business. Here’s what you need to know:
Camera placement and coverage
Installing high-resolution cameras at all entry and exit points is a must, both indoors and outdoors. Ensure coverage of areas where cannabis is handled, stored, or sold. Cameras should capture clear images of individuals’ faces and any activities involving cannabis products.Continuous recording and retention
Your security system must record continuously, 24/7. Retention periods for footage vary by state, typically ranging from 30 to 120 days. Check your state’s specific requirements to ensure compliance.Video quality standards
States often mandate minimum video quality standards, such as a resolution of at least 720p and a frame rate of 10-15 frames per second. High-quality footage is essential for identifying individuals and activities accurately.Access and monitoring
You must restrict access to security systems to authorized personnel only. Some states require remote access for law enforcement or regulatory bodies. Ensure your system allows for real-time monitoring and quick retrieval of footage when needed.Backup and storage solutions
Implement reliable storage solutions to handle large volumes of video data. Cloud storage offers scalability and security, helping meet retention requirements without the need for extensive on-site hardware.Regular maintenance and testing
Conduct routine checks and maintenance of your security equipment to ensure optimal performance. Regular testing helps identify and resolve issues promptly, maintaining compliance and security. By following these guidelines, U.S. dispensaries can meet video security requirements, protect their operations, and ensure compliance with state regulations.The challenges of traditional video storage vs. cloud video storage for cannabis businesses
Traditional on-site storage systems, such as hard drives and physical servers, can struggle to keep up with the industry’s growing demands for longer video retention periods, high-definition footage, and real-time accessibility. Cloud storage, on the other hand, offers significant advantages, especially in flexibility, scalability, and compliance, making it an ideal solution for meeting industry security requirements.
Unlike traditional storage, cloud solutions allow cannabis businesses to scale their storage capacity seamlessly as their needs expand, without the need for physical upgrades or added hardware. Cloud storage also provides remote access to footage, which is crucial for compliance audits and inspections. If regulatory bodies or law enforcement need video access, cloud-based footage can be easily retrieved and shared. With traditional storage, accessibility can be limited, and retrieving data quickly often requires physical access to the hardware, which can be time-consuming and impractical.
Unlike traditional storage, cloud solutions allow cannabis businesses to scale their storage capacity seamlessly as their needs expand, without the need for physical upgrades or added hardware. Cloud storage also provides remote access to footage, which is crucial for compliance audits and inspections. If regulatory bodies or law enforcement need video access, cloud-based footage can be easily retrieved and shared. With traditional storage, accessibility can be limited, and retrieving data quickly often requires physical access to the hardware, which can be time-consuming and impractical.
Comparison table: Cloud storage vs. traditional storage
| Feature | Traditional storage | Cloud storage |
| Scalability | Limited to existing hardware capacity | Easily scalable; add storage as needed |
| Upfront costs | High; requires initial investment in hardware | Lower; pay-as-you-go model |
| Data access | Limited to on-site access or complex VPN setup | Remote access from any authorized device |
| Compliance & retention | Challenging to meet evolving retention policies | Automatically meets varying state retention regulations |
| Maintenance & downtime | Requires regular hardware updates and manual troubleshooting | Minimal; updates and troubleshooting handled by provider |
| Security | Vulnerable to physical theft and hardware failure | Redundant, secure storage with encryption |
| Adaptability to regulatory needs | Limited and costly to adjust | Highly adaptable; easily meets new compliance changes |
How cloud storage meets cannabis video security needs
Cloud storage helps cannabis businesses tackle compliance and security challenges with ease, especially given the heavy demands of video retention and access. For example, dispensaries and grow facilities often record video continuously, generating massive amounts of footage daily. Traditional storage options can quickly run out of space, but cloud storage lets cannabis businesses expand their storage capacity instantly, meaning they can save and access video as long as regulations require—without physical limits or costly hardware upgrades.
Imagine a dispensary that needs 120 days of continuous footage, covering everything from the storefront to high-security storage areas. With traditional storage, the business would need large, dedicated servers on-site and likely run into issues if footage had to be expanded or accessed remotely. Cloud storage avoids these problems by providing businesses with the flexibility to store large amounts of high-definition footage without additional equipment. Not only does this simplify the process, but it also means less risk of footage being lost or compromised due to hardware issues.
Another key advantage is accessibility in real-time scenarios. Picture a compliance audit or an unexpected visit from regulators requesting video footage from several months ago. With cloud storage, that footage can be accessed remotely in seconds, rather than having someone on-site dig through hard drives or external devices. For a grow operation in a remote location, this is essential—cloud storage eliminates the need for anyone to be physically present, saving time and reducing the risk of security breaches or footage loss.
Lastly, cloud storage often includes built-in security features like data encryption and automatic backups, which can protect footage from being tampered with or lost. For example, in the unfortunate case of theft or tampering at a dispensary, cloud storage ensures that footage is safe from physical damage or erasure. This peace of mind allows cannabis businesses to focus on their operations, knowing their video security system is compliant, secure, and fully optimized.
Imagine a dispensary that needs 120 days of continuous footage, covering everything from the storefront to high-security storage areas. With traditional storage, the business would need large, dedicated servers on-site and likely run into issues if footage had to be expanded or accessed remotely. Cloud storage avoids these problems by providing businesses with the flexibility to store large amounts of high-definition footage without additional equipment. Not only does this simplify the process, but it also means less risk of footage being lost or compromised due to hardware issues.
Another key advantage is accessibility in real-time scenarios. Picture a compliance audit or an unexpected visit from regulators requesting video footage from several months ago. With cloud storage, that footage can be accessed remotely in seconds, rather than having someone on-site dig through hard drives or external devices. For a grow operation in a remote location, this is essential—cloud storage eliminates the need for anyone to be physically present, saving time and reducing the risk of security breaches or footage loss.
Lastly, cloud storage often includes built-in security features like data encryption and automatic backups, which can protect footage from being tampered with or lost. For example, in the unfortunate case of theft or tampering at a dispensary, cloud storage ensures that footage is safe from physical damage or erasure. This peace of mind allows cannabis businesses to focus on their operations, knowing their video security system is compliant, secure, and fully optimized.
Choosing the right cloud storage model for your cannabis business
Selecting the right security solution for a cannabis business means choosing reliability, flexibility, and seamless integration with existing systems—all areas where Solink excels as an all-in-one solution. Solink’s platform combines cloud storage with advanced video management, compliance tools, and remote access, making it a complete security solution tailored to the cannabis industry. With flexible, scalable storage, Solink enables businesses to meet video retention requirements with ease, without concerns about limited capacity or unexpected costs.
One of Solink’s standout features is its effortless integration with most camera systems already installed. There’s no need for costly upgrades or overhauls. Solink can connect to your current setup, helping dispensaries and grow facilities access all their video footage from one secure, centralized platform. This saves time, reduces training requirements, and ensures smooth operations without disruptions.
Solink also offers on-demand access to video data, which is crucial for cannabis businesses facing regulatory inspections or audits. With Solink’s system, managers and security personnel can pull up footage quickly, even from a remote device, providing instant access whenever needed.
Choosing Solink means choosing a solution that grows with your business. As cannabis regulations evolve and your needs expand, Solink’s scalable model allows you to add storage on demand, paying only for what you need. For cannabis businesses prioritizing compliance, security, and peace of mind, Solink is the cloud storage model that delivers.
One of Solink’s standout features is its effortless integration with most camera systems already installed. There’s no need for costly upgrades or overhauls. Solink can connect to your current setup, helping dispensaries and grow facilities access all their video footage from one secure, centralized platform. This saves time, reduces training requirements, and ensures smooth operations without disruptions.
Solink also offers on-demand access to video data, which is crucial for cannabis businesses facing regulatory inspections or audits. With Solink’s system, managers and security personnel can pull up footage quickly, even from a remote device, providing instant access whenever needed.
Choosing Solink means choosing a solution that grows with your business. As cannabis regulations evolve and your needs expand, Solink’s scalable model allows you to add storage on demand, paying only for what you need. For cannabis businesses prioritizing compliance, security, and peace of mind, Solink is the cloud storage model that delivers.
