Preserving Safety in the Cannabis Industry

Although it may seem like common sense to many, there’s always a time and place to reeducate consumers and businesses owners on how to ensure that those working in the legal cannabis industry stay as safe as possible. Although there are plenty of laws in place to protect the rights of consumers and the regulations of cannabis businesses, there isn’t a strict guideline on how to protect the safety of consumers and businesses.

Last month, a Washington dispensary worker by the name of Cameron Smith was kidnapped and later murdered. His assailants were reportedly upset that Smith wouldn’t sell them cannabis, due to they not having valid ID with them. The co-owner of the dispensary where Smith worked, Dennis Turner, knew Smith for many years and believes that much could be done to protect cannabis businesses and their employees in the future. Per Washington State law, firearms are not allowed, and Turner also mentioned that he believes that the Washington Liquor Control Board can do more to help protect those who work in the cannabis industry. So what else can be done to protect budtenders and other dispensary workers? In this case, it’s the simple things that matter.

IMPROVED VIDEO RECORDS

Business owners may already comply with requirements to have round-the-clock surveillance inside their dispensaries. While it is an expensive investment, it’s essential to have the highest quality video footage to protect both their employees and themselves.

SECURITY OFFICERS

Amping up security is also useful with hired individuals set to watch over the daily happenings of the businesses, both inside and out. Those individuals could also be available to escort employees to their cars as an extra precaution.

DEDICATED SPACE

Although the layout of a single dispensary can vary greatly form another, it could benefit business owners to offer a break room or eating area for its employees. To protect employees, offer an area of safety for them to relax and be close by.

SAFTEY IN NUMBERS

If possible, schedule employees to work shifts in pairs, so they can always watch each other’s backs as well. While this is not the most feasible, since many mom-and-pop cannabis shops can only afford to hire a couple of people, the extra pair of eyes is always helpful.

PROTECT YOUR PROFIT

Banking and the cannabis industry are hot topics right now. Sadly, there are few banks are willing to protect cannabis businesses. Business owners should still strive to utilize cash protection services so they can keep their businesses safe and free of temptations from thieves. Certain rules to keep only a certain amount of cash in a cash register, or on site, can be extremely effective in deterring thieves.

These suggestions are circumstantial, and much of it is common sense, but it could be what is necessary to continue to protect cannabis employees now that cannabis is becoming more mainstream. When it comes down to it, product and money can be replaced, but lives cannot.