Tag: recreational marijuana

Cannabis Facility Security Requirements for Vermont

By: Colene King


It looks like 2022 is the year Vermont may finally see the first legal sale of adult use marijuana. In 2018, the state legalized the use of marijuana for adults, but it wasn’t until 2020 that they decided to legalize the sale of it.

 

The windows to apply for operator licenses are opening up over the next several months: starting with small cultivation licenses on April 1st and ending with retail licenses opening September 1st. Existing medical marijuana dispensaries will be allowed to commence adult-use sales beginning May 1, while other retailers must wait until October. (Staff, 2022)

 

See chart for application opening dates for each type of operator:

 

All license types may apply for pre-qualification beginning on March 16th. This pre-qualification is not required for full licensure. The Cannabis Control Board is offering pre-qualification in an effort to streamline the process and to foreshadow market structure.

 

Contrary to other states, Vermont is placing a larger priority on small cannabis growers. Their hopes are to pull the underground operators out of the woodwork and integrate these illegal growers into the legal cannabis market. There are concerns that these smaller operations may not be able produce enough product to meet demands at the launch of legal sales, but the Cannabis Control Board is optimistic.

 

The Cannabis Control Board, which consists of three members, was appointed in March of 2021 with the purpose of developing regulations for Vermont’s cannabis market. The regulations regarding security measures required for each type of cannabis operation are outlined below.

 

Security Regulations for Outdoor and Mixed Cultivators:

  1. Fencing
    • Sufficient to prevent unauthorized entry
  2. Alarm system
  3. Video and photographic surveillance
    • Footage must be retained for a minimum of 30 days
    • Accurate date and time stamps on images, without obstructing images
    • Able to produce usable images in the existing lighting conditions
    • Allows for clear and certain identification of all persons or activities
    • Resolution of 1080p or great
    • Exportable and transferable to standard computing equipment
  4. Motion activated flood light
  5. Security services
    • Must be operating for no less than the three-week period preceding harvest

 

Security Regulations for Indoor and Mixed Cultivators, Manufacturers, and Wholesalers:

  1. All perimeter doors and windows must be locked
    • Only individuals with Cannabis Establishment ID card may have keys or a key equivalent
    • All perimeter doors and windows must have operational security alarms
  2. Video surveillance with continue monitoring of any space containing cannabis
    • Footage must be retained for a minimum of 30 days
    • Accurate date and time stamps on images, without obstructing images
    • Able to produce usable images in the existing lighting conditions
    • Allows for clear and certain identification of all persons or activities
    • Resolution of 1080p or great
    • Exportable and transferable to standard computing equipment

 

Security Regulations for Retailers

Retailers must meet all requirements listed above for indoor and mixed cultivators, manufacturers, and wholesalers, along with the following additional requirements:

 

  1. Alarm system
    • Standard commercial-grade alarm system
    • Installed by an expert alarm system company
  2. Video surveillance
    • Must include point-of-sales areas, entrances, exits, and any area containing cannabis
    • Video footage must be retained for at least 90 days
  3. Strict access controls to areas where Cannabis and Cannabis Product is stored or handled
  4. Employees must wear identification badges while on duty
  5. Information related to the facility security must be maintained onsite and readily accessible and make them available for inspection by the Board, if requested.

 

Though these regulations don’t specifically require anything for the storage of marijuana, we strongly encourage you to invest in a vault to protect your product as well as your cash. With sales being mostly cash based and a product that is of high value, cannabis operators become a huge target for robberies.

 

ArmorStor™ Modular Vaults & Doors

For new construction & retrofit of existing buildings. Our modular vaults offer the highest UL Security rating available at a fraction of the cost of poured concrete vaults

 

Another option to consider would be a cash management system. Whether you are concerned about cash shrinkage, inefficient cash handling or upgrading your cash-management plans, a commercial or retail cash management solution is best for you. Our smart safes offer bill validating, cash currency counting, cash management and cash recycling.

 

Smart Cash Management

Enabling retailers to gain efficiencies, reduce loss, and optimize in-store labor. All with the ability to integrate existing POS systems and video surveillance for end-to-end security.

 

Vermont’s Cannabis Control Board estimates that spending on recreational marijuana in Vermont could reach $225 million annually by 2025, which would translate to nearly $46 million in new state taxes. (Goldstein, 2021) If the Green Mountain State produces marijuana half as good as their maple syrup, Vermonters are in for a real treat.

 

Now is the opportune time to get your security plan together. Let us help you. KL Security focuses on facility security – vaults, cages, camera systems, cash management safes, high security safes, etc. 

 

Sources:

https://mjbizdaily.com/small-marijuana-cultivators-could-cause-supply-issues-in-vermont-adult-use-market/#:~:text=Vermont%20estimates%20the%20state’s%20new,in%20annual%20sales%20by%202024.&text=Recreational%20sales%20are%20expected%20to,online%20on%20or%20before%20October.

https://mjbizdaily.com/more-than-two-dozen-vermont-towns-to-allow-adult-use-marijuana-stores/

https://ccb.vermont.gov/sites/ccb/files/2021-11/Proposed%20Rule%202%20-%20Regulation%20of%20Cannabis%20Establishments.pdf

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2021/10/19/vermont-gears-up-for-a-225-million-marijuana-market

Cannabis Facility Security Requirements for New Jersey


By: Colene King


On February 22, 2021, New Jersey became the 14th state in the nation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. After almost a full year, they have started accepting applications for cultivators, manufacturers, and testing labs. Within the first 4 hours of the website opening, nearly 500 individuals had applied. Applications for dispensaries won’t open up until March 15th. (Davis, 2021) Though there is still a little way to go before the first legal adult use sale, New Jersey is headed in the right direction.  Cultivators, manufacturers, and testing labs will start them off with building a supply for the retailers to sell.


When trying to obtain approval for licensure, a quality physical security plan will include specific details about all things required in the state of New Jersey. Some of these requirements will include: modular cannabis vaults, high security safes with TL15 or TL30 ratings, DEA approved cages for processing facilities, security camera systems, and cash management safes (trust us, you don’t want to hand count all of that cash).



 

Full suite of solutions from cameras to turnkey packages that can protect people, assets and speed loss prevention.

  • Protect product in-transit
  • IP Cameras Recorders
  • Remote Viewing on Smartphones
  • Access Control & License Plate Recognition

Four wall DEA secure drug cage for Schedule III, IV & V storage areas. Designed & built to DEA physical security requirements, these cages can be configured for your facility and customized to a variety of sizes and heights. Locking doors, self-closers, and access control locks tailored to your existing security systems are all possible.


The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission establishes and enforces the rules and regulations governing the licensing, cultivation, testing, selling, and purchasing of cannabis in the state.


Here is a summary of the security requirements for an adult use cannabis operation:

Each cannabis business shall provide effective controls and procedures to guard against unauthorized access to the premises or the business’s electronic systems, theft, and diversion of cannabis. Such controls may include, but are not limited to, systems to protect against electronic records tampering


Security Alarm System

  • Install and maintain in good working order to provide suitable protection against theft and diversion.
    • Immediate automatic or electronic notification system
      • Notifies cannabis business personnel or police of an unauthorized breach or failure of alarm system
    • Backup system that activates immediately when there is a loss of power.
      • Notifies personnel and authorities of power loss
    • Implement security measures that deter and prevent unauthorized access to areas containing cannabis.
    • Implement security measures that protect premises, consumers, and personnel
    • Establish a protocol for testing and maintenance of the security alarm system.
      • Conduct inspections and tests of the system at minimum every 30 days
      • Promptly implement all necessary repairs to ensure proper operation
    • In the event of a system failure due to power loss expected to last longer than 8 hours:
      • Notify the Commission
      • Provide alternate security measures or close operation until fully restored
    • Outside access to premises kept at a minimum and it is well controlled
    • Limit entry into areas where cannabis is held to authorized personnel
    • Equip interior and exterior premises with panic buttons

Video Surveillance System

  • Equip interior and exterior premises with electronic monitoring, and video cameras
    • A video surveillance system shall be installed and operated to clearly monitor all critical control activities of the cannabis business and shall be in working order and operating at all times.
      • The Commission must be provided access to remote viewing at all times
      • The system must be approved by the Commission prior to license issuance
    • Original tapes and digital pictures must be retained for at least 30 days
    • Outside area of the premises must be well-lit
      • Exterior lighting must be sufficient enough to deter criminal activity
      • Exterior lighting must be sufficient enough to facilitate surveillance
      • Reasonable effort made to not disturb surrounding businesses or neighbors
    • All entrances and exits well-lit to allow proper video surveillance
      • Include motion control sensors to protect cultivation light-dark cycles as needed
  • Provide law enforcement and neighbors within 100 feet of the cannabis business with the name and phone number of a staff member to notify during and after operating hours to whom they can report problems with the establishment.
  • The security alarm system and video surveillance system shall be continuously monitored, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
    • May be monitored off-site

Storage

  • All cannabis items shall be stored in an enclosed indoor, locked area. Access to such area is limited to an owner, principal, employee, or volunteer of a license holder or staff members of a license holder’s management services contractor that possesses a Cannabis Business Identification Card when acting in their official capacity.

Secure Transport

  • A cannabis business shall ensure each delivery vehicle is equipped with:
    • A secure lockbox or secure cargo area, used for the sanitary and secure transport of cannabis
    • A GPS device for identifying the geographic location of the delivery vehicle
    • Functioning heating and air conditioning systems appropriate for maintain correct temperatures for storage of cannabis and cannabis products
    • Insure all vehicles in the amount of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence or accident
    • Vehicle has no markings indicating that the vehicle is used to transport cannabis
    • Vehicle’s make, model, color, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and vehicle registration available to the Commission upon request
    • Staff each delivery vehicle with at least one cannabis business staff member
      • Shall not leave cannabis items in an unattended delivery vehicle unless the vehicle is locked and equipped with an active vehicle alarm system.
      • Staff member has access to a secure form of communication with the cannabis business
      • Staff member possess their Cannabis Business Identification Card at all times
      • Before transport, staff member shall create a physical or electronic copy of the transport request
      • Only Cannabis Business Identification Card holders shall be allowed in a delivery vehicle
    • All transport of cannabis must be conducted by a person. No drones
    • Transports must be completed in a timely and efficient manor
    • Maintain a written or electronic record of each transport of cannabis. Must include:
      • Date and time of transport beginning and ending
      • Name, cannabis business ID card number, and signature of staff transporting
      • Weight of cannabis and cannabis items being transported
      • The batch number of the usable cannabis or the lot number of the cannabis product, the name of the strain/cultivar, and the form of the cannabis product
      • Signature of receiving staff member attesting to receipt of the goods
    • Report any vehicle accidents, diversions, losses, or other reportable events that occur during transport to the Commission

For the full list of rules and regulations; please follow this link: https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/documents/rules/NJAC%201730%20Personal%20Use%20Cannabis.pdf


Though New Jersey’s regulations don’t specify that a vault is required for storage. We believe it is something that any cannabis operation should strongly consider. Because there is such a huge risk storing a high valued product as well as large sums of cash on the premises, these operations can often become targets for smash-and-grabs.  Businesses are able to successfully protect product and cash due to the installation of vaults & vault doors.



Class 5-V vault doors protect contents against unauthorized entry, covert entry, and forced entry.



The adult use marijuana market in New Jersey is projected to reach $1.6 billion by 2025, the second largest market on the east coast, following New York. (Dehnam, 2022) Originally the state had set a deadline of February 22nd to begin sales, but it doesn’t look like this will happen. They may be a little behind schedule, but things are definitely moving in the right direction.


Now is the opportune time to get your security plan together. Let us help you. KL Security focuses on facility security – vaults, cages, camera systems, cash management safes, high security safes, etc. 



Sources:

https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/documents/rules/NJAC%201730%20Personal%20Use%20Cannabis.pdf

https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/businesses/personal-use/

https://mgretailer.com/business/finance-acquisitions/cannabis-revenue-forecast-for-2025-jumps-by-20-billion/

Cannabis Facility Security Requirements for New York

By: Colene King


After several years of back and forth, it has finally become a reality for New York: on March 31, 2021, the Empire State became the 15th state in the nation to legalize the adult use of marijuana. The state will now begin the process of building the cannabis market.


New York has had a slow start with the roll out of the new market, but they are hopeful the new governor will get the process back on track. The Cannabis Control Board finally has its members in place and will now begin issuing the regulations that will control the licensing process. Recently, the head of New York’s cannabis control board said she does not anticipate any licenses being issued until the spring of 2023 at the earliest. (Branfalt, 2021)

 

Though the security requirements are yet to be determined, we have a good idea of what to expect. Medical use of marijuana became legal for New York in 2014. Currently, New York’s security requirements for medical manufacturing and dispensing facilities are similar to what you would find elsewhere. 


When seeking approval for licensure, any quality physical security plan will include specific details about each individual component the State of New York will ultimately require.  Examples include, modular cannabis vaults, high security safes with TL15 or TL30 ratings, DEA approved cages for processing facilities, security camera systems and cash management safes (trust us, you don’t want to hand count all of that cash).

 


ArmorStor™ Modular Vaults & Doors
ArmorStor™ secure and reinforced rooms can be installed in existing facilities or scaled to full size in new construction. The modular panels are built up to the equivalent of 24” thick poured concrete vaults with 4 layers of rebar at a fraction of the weight and installation costs.

 

Summit Series SM1 Bill Validating Safes
With immediate view of cash activities across single or multiple locations, the ability to maximize cash flow and reduce cash shrinkage is greatly enhanced. The compact size allows the SM1 to be placed in locations where space is at a premium and still provide enough capacity to minimize the frequency of cash pickups.

 

 

Below is an outline of the known security requirements for the State of New York Medical Use Regulations :

 

 

  1. Alarms and motion detectors
    • Perimeter alarm
    • Duress Alarm – silent security alarm system signal
    • Panic Alarm – audible security alarm system signal requiring law enforcement response
    • Hold up alarm – a silent security alarm system signaling a robbery in progress
    • Motion detectors
    • Back up alarm system to detect entry when no employees are present at facility
    • Failure notification system notifying of any failures within 5 minutes
    • Automatic voice dialer or digital dialer that, when activated, sends a prerecorded message to law enforcement, public safety, or emergency services, requesting dispatch
  2. Video Surveillance
    • All areas containing marijuana, all entry and exit points, all safes and vaults, and all areas where marijuana sales take place
    • Cameras are able to capture clear and certain identification of any person entering or exiting the facility
    • 24 hour recording for all video cameras and must be retained for at least 90 days
    • Recordings available for immediate viewing at any time
    • The ability to produce a clear still photo at a minimum of 9600 dpi from any camera
    • Accurate date and time stamp on all recordings
    • Ability to remain operational through a power outage
    • Video recordings are able to be exported to an industry standard image format
    • Surveillance rooms must not be used for any other purpose
    • Keep a current list of authorized employees who have access to surveillance room
  3. Exterior of premises must be kept illuminated
    • Securely locked at all times, protected from unauthorized entry
  4. Visitor log kept of all persons that access any secured areas
    • Must include name, date, time, and purpose of the visit
    • Log must be available to the department at all times upon request
  5. Security system and equipment must be kept in a secure location.
    • System must be tested twice a year, retaining results for a minimum of 5 years
  6. Storage
    • Safes, vaults, or other approved equipment must be securely locked at all times
    • Keys, combination numbers, passwords, etc. only accessible to authorized individuals
    • Marijuana stored in a secure area at all times, accessible only to authorized employees.
  7. Transportation
    • Before transporting, a shipping manifest must be completed and transmitted to receiving destination 2 days prior to transport
      • Copy of manifest kept in vehicle during transport
      • Manifests must be retained for 5 years
    • Marijuana and products transported in a locked storage compartment not visible from outside the vehicle
    • No unnecessary stops taken along the way
    • Delivery times are randomized
    • Minimum of two employees staffing the transport vehicle, with one of them remaining in vehicle at all times while the vehicle contains marijuana.

 


There are high hopes for the marijuana market in New York. Not only is it believed to have a potential to create $350 million in annual tax revenue, but also bring along 30,000-60,000 new jobs for New Yorkers. (Bort, 2021) There is still much work to be done before the New York market is operational, but once it does, it is sure to be profitable for all cannabis licensees and other stakeholders.


The security experts here at KL Security are excited to begin the new year at CannaCon in New York City January 7th-8th at the Javits Center in downtown Manhattan.  If you’re interested in opening a cannabis facility in New York and becoming part of what is projected to be a very lucrative market, now is the perfect time to start doing research and formulating a physical security plan.  Allow us to be the experts you rely on for your security needs, so you can focus on your overall business plan.  Please take a moment to stop by booth 445 at CannaCon and start a conversation with us about your cannabis facility plans.



Sources:


https://regs.health.ny.gov/content/section-100413-security-requirements-manufacturing-and-dispensing-facilities

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/new-york-weed-marijuana-legalization-1148949/

https://www.ganjapreneur.com/new-york-will-not-issue-adult-use-licenses-until-2023/

Arizona One Step Closer to Recreational Marijuana Market

By Shelley Swearingen | August 11, 2020



Earlier this year, Arizonans banned together in an attempt legalize marijuana. Marijuana is currently legal for medicinal use in the state, but residents would like to see access made available for all adults.


The issue was set to be voted on within the November ballot. A petition was submitted earlier this year by constituents; the initiative required 237,645 signatures and Smart and Safe Arizona (the group spearheading the initiative) acquired 420,000.


Opposition to this proposal was met by Arizonans for Health and Public Safety, a group backed by the Center for Arizona Policy (conservative group that supports ‘right-wing’ legislation). It’s safe to assume this group is also anti-cannabis legislation of any kind, but attacked the proposal on the basis that it doesn’t adequately address cannabis sales tax increases, driving under the influence, or marijuana potency. It also claimed the initiative is ‘confusing and deceptive’.  Based on these theories, the group filed a lawsuit challenging the pro-cannabis initiative.


And late last week, this suit was rejected. A Superior Court Judge ruled the provisions had be addressed sufficiently and found the initiative was not lacking. The judge found their claims to be unfounded. This was a huge win to the voters of Arizona. For now, the issue of legalizing marijuana for all adult Arizonans will be resolved in November by voters.


The recreational market is proposed to favor existing medical marijuana operators and also designate 26 new licenses specifically for social equity applicants.


Using data from the US Census Bureau and assuming the Arizona market would resemble the Illinois market, we can figure that Arizona might have had $170,322,000 in sales (so far) in 2020. That would have brought in over $27,000,000 in tax dollars for the state.*

Here at KL Security, we observe and implement a holistic approach to cannabis facility compliance and safety. We assist dispensaries, pharmacies, secure transporters, craft growers, large scale growers, and testing facilities in achieving revenue goals through protecting assets. We assist with security planning and SOPs for security protocols that prevent diversion of cash and cannabis products at all steps within a marijuana business’s lifetime: from licensing to successful operation to inspections. If you need assistance with the security portion of an application, want to learn how to make your operation safer, or are concerned about compliance – contact the consultants at KL Security at 866-867-0306 or at [email protected]. 


Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.


*9,900,000 estimated adults in Illinois and $300,000,000 in sales (YTD Jan-Aug 2020) equated to roughly $30.3 spent per adult resident.5,677,400 estimated adults in Arizona = $170,322,000

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Cannabis Facility Security | Protection Against Looters

By Shelley Swearingen | June 4, 2020

The United States is embroiled in civil unrest. “There have been demonstrations in at least 430 cities and towns so far, large and small, across all 50 states.1”

These demonstrations are in response to the deaths of African Americans at the hands of law enforcement. American citizens of all races, ethnicities, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ages have gathered to voice their disdain on the excessive use of force by law enforcement. The majority of these protests have culminated & concluded peacefully, but looting has occurred in several US cities.

There are many different theories as to why people loot2, but from a business owner’s standpoint – the ‘why’ is not concerning as ‘if’. In America, civil unrest wasn’t a recent concern when developing security standards for procedure, just as pandemic protocols weren’t included a few months ago either. For those businesses operating in densely populated areas, this will be something to consider going forward. This is especially true for cannabis dispensaries, pharmacies, secure transporters, cultivators, craft growers, testing facilities, and large-scale growers.

In states where cannabis is legal and where looting has occurred, marijuana dispensaries and pharmacies were targeted. Luckily, those businesses that worked with KL Security found their products and profits unscathed. This is a clear example of when investing in physical security pays off.

Successful Security Measures

These businesses were able to successfully protect product and cash due to the installation of vaults & vault doors. Class 5-V vault doors protect contents against unauthorized entry, covert entry, and forced entry. Even though breaching one of these doors is nearly impossible, it is recommended the highest value product (cash) is stored inside a UL TL-15 rated safe placed inside the vault room. 

A representative of a Cannabis company effected by looting reached out to KL Security on the morning of June 4th. This representative oversees multiple locations in one of America’s fastest growing cannabis markets; he was able to witness the capabilities of vault doors & vault rooms firsthand. Stakeholders were ecstatic to have taken the appropriate measures ahead of time and can rest easy knowing their highly profitable product is safe and sound. In exemplifying their satisfaction, this company expressed intent to acquire more vault doors.

Where Security Plans Fall Short

Some States are allowing waivers to allow cannabis dispensaries to store product on the sales floor, in lightly secured undercounter cabinets.  We cannot stress enough, given the stories we have heard recently, that this is not a sound storage method when defending against smash-and-grab attacks.

Whether or not you agree with the protests, all business owners can agree on the importance of protecting their investment. KL Security is here to assist in the security needs of Cannabis craft growers, secure transporters, testing facilities, dispensaries, pharmacies, and commercial growers. We can help review current standards of procedures to identify areas for improvement that will expand peace of mind and drive revenue. To discuss additional security implementations or compliance at your facility, please reach out. 

TOLL FREE 1-866-867-0306 or [email protected]

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.

  1. Haseman, Janie; Zaiets, Karina; & Thorson, Mitchell. June 4, 2020. Tracking protests across the USA in the wake of George Floyd’s death. USA Today. Retrieved from: https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2020/06/03/map-protests-wake-george-floyds-death/5310149002/
  2. Khazan, Olga. June 2, 2020. Why people loot. The Atlantic. Retrieved from: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/06/why-people-loot/612577/
  3. https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/Door__Vault__Security.PDF

The Cannabis Countdown in Illinois

Today is New Year’s Eve, and many Illinois residents have a big reason to celebrate in 2020.

In less than 24 hours, marijuana will be legal to purchase for recreational use. Residents and businesses are gearing up for the historic occasion.

 

Some Illinois dispensaries are planning to open as early as 6am; others have rented out coffee shops to keep customers warm and happy, and one store will be using a paging system to notify customers when to return to make purchases.

 

Chicago Sun Times Interactive Map on where to buy weed in Illinois:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/27/21030851/recreational-marijuana-cannabis-legal-weed-jan-1-illinois-brighton-park

 

There is, however, one lingering concern in the back of everyone’s mind: will the supply be able to satiate demand? Politicians and experts actually agree that the answer is a resounding, “NO”.  Medical marijuana patients have inventory concerns, but priority has been given to patients over recreational customers. Stores must maintain a certain amount of product exclusively for medical patients.

 

The efficiency (or lack thereof) of this roll out could affect how and when marijuana is legalized in the surrounding areas. Kentucky is discussing medical marijuana next year, and Indiana has already begun decriminalization efforts to combat the flow of product in from Illinois & Michigan. Tomorrow is a historic day for the Midwest, and neighbors to Illinois will be watching carefully.

 

Leaders in the Illinois cannabis market depend on a holistic security plan that is designed to maintain compliance, meet regulatory standards, and optimize business operations. How are you handling Exhibit H & Exhibit J of your license application?

 

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.

 

Schuba, Tom. 2019, December 16. Pro-pot lawmakers warn of supply shortage, vow to prioritize weed sales to medical patients. Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved from: https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/16/21024768/pot-illinois-supply-shortage-legal-weed-sales-medical-marijuana

 

 

Schuba, Tom. 2019, December 27. Long lines, limited supply and only 9 places to shop: Here’s what to expect in Chicago when weed becomes legal Jan. 1. Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved from: https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/27/21030851/recreational-marijuana-cannabis-legal-weed-jan-1-illinois-brighton-park

 

 

Maine to Begin Licensing Process for Recreational Marijuana Facilities

Friday, December 6, 2019

**UPDATE**

The Office of Marijuana Policy for the state of Maine has uploaded all applicable documents for adult use marijuana facilities. All application materials and instructions are now available at:

https://www.maine.gov/dafs/omp/adult-use/applications-forms

 

The Office of Marijuana Policy has begun to publish forms online for marijuana facilities catering to recreational customers. The Marijuana Legalization Act was passed in 2016 by voters, and constituents could be able to purchase marijuana without a doctor’s approval as early as Spring of 2020.   Title 28-B, the Marijuana Legalization Act, outlines the provisions for the Adult-Use program in Maine, as well as the licensing protocols and procedure.

 

One such provision gives municipalities the authorization to approve or deny operation of marijuana facilities within its borders. These municipalities also have the power to demand additional licensing fees that may exceed those required by the state. Some municipalities go so far as to require approval before submitting an application to the state licensing body. It is of the utmost importance to check local rules upon beginning the planning/application stages of starting a marijuana facility.

 

Security requirements vary from state to state. Some states’ rules are very clear and concise in referencing the safe storage or cannabis products, and others are not; Maine is not. Within medicinal facilities, the state rules require physical safety parameters that ‘deter theft and ensure safety’, Code ME R. 18-691-2.

 

Initial estimates by industry experts predict the recreational market in Maine could top $150 million in its first year of operation (1).

 

Cannabis dispensaries seeking to simplify compliance reference the Total Harvest Coverage plan for security planning & architectural programming including

  • Ingress/Egress
  • Entrances/Exits
  • Limited Access Areas
  • Storage Vaults & Vault Rooms

Whether you are seeking to maintain regulatory requirements and trace-ability / reporting at the minimum or maximum level, consulting with an experience integrator who has experience with applications, licenses, design, plans and build outs is key to business success.

 

To learn more about the standards for cannabis facility design as well as the protocols to deter theft and ensure safety, consult with Total Harvest Coverage consultants.

Marijuana Legalization Act https://www.maine.gov/dafs/omp/adult-use/rules-statutes/title-28-b

MAINE MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA PROGRAM RULES https://www.maine.gov/dafs/omp/medical-use/rules-statutes/18-691-C.M.R.-ch.-2

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and is subject to change without notice.