Though the legal cannabis industry in the US continues to grow as more and more states legalize marijuana sales, it still has to contend with a thriving illicit market.

As a valuable and lightweight product, the incentive for thieves to funnel marijuana products to the illicit market is strong. Coupled with the fact that the legal cannabis industry still operates on a largely cash-only basis, thanks to federal prohibition, security is of utmost concern for cannabusinesses.

And as with most security infrastructure, the key is deterrence.

This is most clear in the form of security cameras. With the latest technological advances though, this is about more than just recording images, sound and movement.

Highly-organized thieves can find ways around these. The best security cameras these days offer extra features to put off even the most sophisticated criminal operation. They are able to detect atmospheric changes, utilize biometric facial-recognition data, and issue alarms if the unit has been tampered with in any way.

Another increasingly standard feature in cannabis facilities is the use of a keycard or key fob system throughout the premises, not just at the front entrance. Not only do they restrict access to those with the right key, they also process information to track workers’ movements and can issue an alert if any abnormal behavior is detected. This is important as, like in many other industries, the risk of theft is highest from employees and this often takes the form of petty amounts. Cumulatively though, losses can easily run into the thousands of dollars.

Given the high security risk faced by cannabis companies, many are turning to third-party security operators that can offer these more advanced services. For a monthly or annual subscription, these companies carry out a thorough analysis of your businesses’ security needs, install the required security equipment, and provide constant remote surveillance by trained professionals on standby, ready to respond.

Not only is this incredibly secure, it can even reduce security costs in the long-run as there is no need for on-site supervisors or guards.

This isn’t to neglect the importance of physical security measures as well. Robust, razor-wire fencing, cinder block or reinforced concrete walls, steel vaults, and heavy doors with commercial-grade locks all have an important role to play in securing a cannabis facility from thieves.

Most of the security technologies highlighted so far concern thefts from inside a facility. But what about outdoor cultivation sites? These cover a vast area, aren’t protected by walls, and contain thousands and thousands of dollars worth of marijuana.

The most obvious solution is strong, high fencing around the perimeter coupled with security cameras covering all sides.

Should these be penetrated though, you’ll also need on-site security guards. As well as monitoring the cameras, they can likely respond to intruders much quicker than law enforcement, since outdoor cultivation sites are often in rural areas.

Another increasingly popular option is to use drones. They can provide a birds-eye view of a large cultivation site and, if they identify anything suspicious, they can then zoom in for a closer look and make an assessment. This has the added benefit of ensuring that you aren’t potentially putting an on-site security guard into harm’s way.

These are just some of the advanced security technologies that are available to marijuana business owners now to reduce the risk of theft and protect their profits. Every business has different needs though, so make sure to reach out to a security consultant with cannabis industry expertise to determine what would work best for yours.