Cannabis Facility Security System Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Cannabis facilities are required by state cannabis regulations to maintain comprehensive security systems including 24/7 video surveillance, controlled access, and monitored alarm systems as a condition of licensure. Security failures can result in immediate license suspension, mandatory closure, and referral to law enforcement or the DEA under the Controlled Substances Act. This checklist covers all critical security infrastructure elements required to protect cannabis inventory, prevent divers

  • Industry: Cannabis Dispensary
  • Frequency: Weekly
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Compliance Manager
  • Total Items: 36
  • Compliance: DEA Controlled Substances Act 21 U.S.C. § 823 (Security Requirements for Registrants), State Cannabis Regulations - Security Plan Requirements, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.36 (Exit Routes and Emergency Planning), State Department of Health - Cannabis Facility Security Standards, ASTM D8244-19 Standard Guide for Cannabis Product Security and Storage

Video Surveillance System

Inspect all CCTV cameras, recording equipment, and storage systems for functionality and compliance with state coverage requirements.

  • Are all required cameras operational and providing clear, unobstructed video coverage of all required areas?
  • Is the video resolution sufficient to clearly identify individuals and activities in all camera views?
  • Is video footage being recorded and retained for the minimum required period (typically 30-90 days)?
  • Is the recording system equipped with a redundant or backup power source (UPS)?
  • Is the video surveillance system monitored or does it have remote access capability for law enforcement upon request?
  • Are camera timestamps accurate and synchronized to current date and time?

Access Control Systems

Verify that electronic and physical access control systems restrict entry to authorized personnel only in all restricted areas.

  • Are all restricted areas (vault, cultivation, processing) secured with electronic access control (keycard, PIN, or biometric)?
  • Does the access control system log all entries and exits with employee identity and timestamp?
  • Are terminated employee access credentials immediately revoked upon separation?
  • Is visitor access controlled, logged, and escorted by a licensed employee at all times in restricted areas?
  • Are access control logs retained for the minimum required period per state regulations?

Alarm & Intrusion Detection Systems

Inspect alarm systems for proper coverage, monitoring, and response protocols in compliance with state requirements.

  • Is the facility equipped with a state-approved monitored intrusion detection alarm system covering all points of entry?
  • Has the alarm system been tested within the required interval and is there documented proof of the test?
  • Is the alarm monitoring company contact information current and posted at the facility?
  • Are panic or duress alarms installed and functional at customer-facing service areas?
  • Is there a documented alarm response protocol and have all employees been trained on it?

Physical Security Barriers & Vault Storage

Evaluate physical security measures including perimeter barriers, vault construction, and secure storage for cannabis inventory.

  • Is the primary cannabis storage vault constructed to state specifications (e.g., steel-lined, reinforced walls)?
  • Are all perimeter entry points (doors, windows, hatches) secured with commercial-grade locks or electronic access?
  • Is the exterior perimeter fenced or secured to prevent unauthorized vehicle or pedestrian access?
  • Is exterior lighting adequate to illuminate all entry points, parking areas, and perimeter during darkness?
  • Are safes and vaults locked when not actively in use by authorized personnel?

Personnel Security & Badging

Verify employee background check compliance, ID badging requirements, and authorized personnel documentation.

  • Do all employees have current, state-issued or facility-issued cannabis worker identification badges?
  • Have all employees completed state-required background checks prior to commencing work?
  • Is the current authorized employee list reconciled with the state licensing portal records?
  • Is there a documented security training program for all employees covering diversion prevention and incident reporting?
  • Are security guard credentials and licensing current if armed or unarmed guards are employed?

Incident Reporting & Security Response Procedures

Assess documentation of security incidents, response times, and regulatory notification compliance.

  • Have all security incidents (theft, break-in, diversion, robbery) been reported to the state regulatory agency within the required timeframe?
  • Is a security incident log maintained and reviewed regularly by management?
  • Are emergency exit routes clearly marked and unobstructed per fire code and OSHA requirements?
  • Is there a documented cash handling security protocol for dispensary retail operations?
  • Are corrective actions documented and implemented for all prior security deficiencies identified in previous inspections?

Security Plan Documentation & Regulatory Submissions

Confirm the facility security plan is current, approved, and on file with the state regulatory agency.

  • Is the current state-approved facility security plan on file and accessible on-site?
  • Has the security plan been updated to reflect any facility changes, expansions, or equipment modifications?
  • Are all security system vendor contracts, monitoring agreements, and maintenance records retained on file?
  • Has the security system been inspected or audited by the state regulatory authority within the required interval?
  • Are all security-related regulatory violations from prior inspections resolved and documented as closed?

Related Cannabis Compliance Checklists

Related Security Checklists

Why Use This Cannabis Facility Security System Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This cannabis facility security system inspection checklist [free pdf] helps cannabis dispensary teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for compliance manager professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: weekly.

Ensures compliance with DEA Controlled Substances Act 21 U.S.C. § 823 (Security Requirements for Registrants), State Cannabis Regulations - Security Plan Requirements, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.36 (Exit Routes and Emergency Planning), State Department of Health - Cannabis Facility Security Standards, ASTM D8244-19 Standard Guide for Cannabis Product Security and Storage. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Cannabis Facility Security System Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: Video Surveillance System, Access Control Systems, Alarm & Intrusion Detection Systems, Physical Security Barriers & Vault Storage, Personnel Security & Badging, Incident Reporting & Security Response Procedures, Security Plan Documentation & Regulatory Submissions. It is designed for cannabis dispensary operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed weekly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Cannabis Facility Security System Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Compliance Manager professionals in the cannabis dispensary industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists