Security for Cannabis Grows, Manufacturing and Distribution
Overnight guards, perimeter patrol, and armed transport support for grows, labs, and distribution warehouses.
Cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution sites hold far more product than any storefront, and they are usually quiet after hours, often in industrial areas with long police response times. That makes them a target for organized burglary crews. In April 2025, six suspects with crowbars tried to pry the door of a cannabis distribution center in Eureka while three others watched the perimeter; the alarm and cameras sent them running.
Distribution adds road risk: state rules require product to travel in locked, alarmed vehicles that cannot be left unattended in residential areas or overnight there, and drivers cannot deviate from their route except for fuel, rest, or repairs. Most of these sites do not have a state rule requiring guards, so security is a business decision. The right answer is usually layered: a visible presence when the site is empty, controlled access when it is busy, and an armed escort only where the load justifies it.
What we protect against
- Overnight burglary crews prying doors or cutting through walls and roll up doors
- Lookouts posted on the perimeter while entry teams work, as seen in the 2025 Eureka distribution center attempt
- Robbery or theft of product during loading, transport, and delivery stops
- Internal diversion through loading docks and limited access areas
- Unescorted visitors and vendors in production and storage areas
- Fence line intrusion and theft from outdoor or greenhouse grows
What we provide
- Gate and dock posts with visitor check in, check out, and escort logs
- Armed overnight and weekend coverage for inventory heavy sites
- Randomized mobile patrol with NFC checkpoint scans, GPS, and photo proof of every check
- Armed driver and escort support for high value product moves
- Fence line, lighting, and camera blind spot reviews
- Daily activity reports and incident reports with photos and video references
- Coordination with alarm company response and local police
Rules and requirements
- 4 CCR 15042 requires licensees to limit access to employees and authorized individuals, have an employee escort every non employee at all times while on the premises, and keep a record of each non employee's name, company, reason for entry, date, and entry and exit times.
- 4 CCR 15311 requires a vehicle alarm system on every distributor transport vehicle and trailer, product kept in a locked or secured compartment and not visible or identifiable from outside, no loaded vehicle left unattended or parked overnight in a residential area, and no deviation from the route except for necessary rest, fuel, or vehicle repair stops.
- 4 CCR 15044 requires 24 hour video at a minimum of 1280 x 720 pixels and 15 frames per second, with recordings kept at least 90 calendar days. Premises licensed only for cultivation are exempt from that video rule and from the lock and alarm rules in 4 CCR 15046 and 15047.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements for your license and location.
Example program with more than one officer
Example for a distribution warehouse: one unarmed guard at the gate and dock from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. handling visitor logs, escorts, and vehicle checks. One armed officer on site from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and through weekends when the building is empty. Mobile patrol adds two randomized exterior checks per night as a second layer. An off duty officer or armed driver rides with high value outbound loads only, rather than every route.
Questions we get
Are cultivation and distribution sites required to have guards?
The state's onsite security personnel rule in 4 CCR 15045 applies to storefront retailers and microbusinesses authorized for storefront retail. Grows, labs, manufacturers, and distributors are not covered by that rule, though local permits may add conditions. Guarding these sites is a risk decision.
Can your officers ride with our transport vehicles?
We provide armed drivers and escort officers. Product custody, manifests, and the vehicle itself stay with your licensed distributor, and we follow your route plan.
Is armed coverage worth it overnight?
For a building holding significant inventory, often yes. Crews that target these sites work in teams with lookouts. An armed officer on site deters, calls police early, and documents. For lower value sites, randomized patrol may be enough.
Which officers fit
Most sites need one officer type. Larger sites and events sometimes use more than one.
Unarmed guards
Common
Fits daytime access control, visitor check in and escort, and dock supervision when staff are present and the main goal is accountability.
Armed guards
Primary
Fits overnight and weekend posts at sites holding large inventory, and escort of high value loads, where the threat is an organized crew rather than an opportunist.
Off duty police officers
Common
Fits high value transport escorts, harvest and product move days, and sites that have been hit before and want an experienced officer setting the security posture.
Related services
Armed Security Guards
Licensed armed officers for retail, nightlife, cannabis, banking, and other high value posts.
Learn moreUnarmed Security Guards
Uniformed officers for access control, lobbies, retail, offices, and properties that need a professional presence.
Learn moreMobile Patrol
Marked vehicle patrols with verified checkpoint scans and photo proof of every visit.
Learn moreArmed Drivers and Executive Protection
Armed security drivers and close protection for daily movement, travel, appearances, and high value transport.
Learn moreWarehouse and Logistics Security
Gate, dock, and yard officers for distribution centers and truck yards across the Inland Empire.
Learn moreOff Duty Police Officers
Active and retired law enforcement officers for high profile homes, events, and assignments that need real experience.
Learn moreRelated industries
- Cannabis dispensaries
- Jewelry and luxury retail
- Retail and shopping centers
- Banks and credit unions
- Car dealerships
- Pharmacies and medical offices
- Corporate and workplace violence
- All industries
Where we cover cannabis grows and distribution
Not sure what you need? Call or text (909) 927-7001 and talk to the owner directly, or send us a few details.