Licensed Security for California Cannabis Dispensaries
DCC compliant onsite guards for dispensaries, with armed coverage where cash and product are most exposed.
Cannabis retailers hold what robbers want most: cash, high value product, and predictable hours. California regulations require a licensed storefront retailer to keep BSIS licensed security personnel onsite during operating hours, but the rule sets a floor, not a plan. The risk is real.
Licensed California cannabis businesses reported 329 break ins or burglaries with losses to the Department of Cannabis Control in 2022, more than double the 147 reported in 2021, and Los Angeles County led the state with 111 incidents. In August 2024, more than 20 suspects were arrested in a statewide crime spree that hit 15 dispensaries and took roughly $1 million in losses. Daytime threats look different from overnight threats: armed takeovers at the counter, customers casing the vault, and crews with pry tools hitting the doors after close. A strong program covers both with the right officer in each post.
What we protect against
- Armed robbery at the sales floor or register during open hours, including groups posing as customers
- Overnight burglary crews forcing entry doors to reach product and cash
- Organized multi store burglary sprays, such as the 2024 statewide spree that hit 15 dispensaries
- Robbery of staff during cash drops, deliveries, and opening or closing
- Underage or intoxicated customers and disputes at the ID check
- Internal theft and diversion from limited access areas
What we provide
- BSIS licensed onsite security during all operating hours to meet DCC requirements
- Entry post with ID verification and customer flow control
- Armed coverage for opening, closing, cash counts, and staff walk outs
- Escort and visitor log support for limited access areas
- Overnight mobile patrol with randomized door and perimeter checks and photo proof
- Daily activity reports and same day incident reports with photos for owners and regulators
- Security plan review against DCC rules for video, alarm, locks, and staffing
Rules and requirements
- 4 CCR 15045 (formerly 16 CCR 5045, renumbered into Title 4 in July 2021) requires licensed storefront retailers, and microbusinesses authorized for storefront retail, to hire or contract security personnel who are at least 21 years old and licensed by BSIS to provide onsite security during operating hours. Non storefront retailers are not required to.
- 4 CCR 15044 requires a digital video surveillance system with a minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, recording continuously 24 hours a day at a minimum of 15 frames per second. It must cover entrances and exits, limited access areas, areas where cannabis is stored or handled, and point of sale and display areas, and recordings must be kept at least 90 calendar days.
- 4 CCR 15047 requires an alarm system installed, maintained, monitored, and responded to by a licensed alarm company operator, and 4 CCR 15046 requires commercial grade, nonresidential locks on limited access areas and on every point of entry and exit.
- Under 4 CCR 15403, retailers may sell and deliver cannabis goods only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Local permits add their own terms; Los Angeles County's cannabis permit program, for example, requires licensed security guards at retail entrances and points of sale and reviews each business's security plan.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements for your license and location.
Example program with more than one officer
Example: one armed officer posted at the entrance and vault side during all open hours (for example 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.), plus one unarmed guard on ID check and line control during the 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. rush and on weekends. At close, the armed officer stays through the cash count and staff walk out. Overnight, a mobile patrol unit makes randomized perimeter and door checks with GPS and photo proof, two to four times a night. Replace the armed post with an off duty officer on Friday and Saturday nights or after any incident.
Questions we get
Does California require a dispensary to have a security guard?
Yes. Under 4 CCR 15045, a licensed storefront retailer must have BSIS licensed security personnel onsite during operating hours. Non storefront (delivery only) retailers are not required to. Many cities and counties add their own requirements in the local permit.
Do the guards have to be armed?
State rules require licensed security, not armed security. Some local permits set stricter terms, so check your conditions of approval. We usually recommend armed coverage at the entry and vault during open hours because robbery is the main daytime threat.
Can neighboring licensees share a guard?
Yes. 4 CCR 15045 allows security personnel to be shared among multiple licensed premises in the same building to cover the whole building, but each licensee stays responsible for compliance.
What do your officers do during a robbery?
They observe, deter, document, and call police. They are trained to protect people first, preserve video and evidence, and give responding officers a clear account. Licensed security guards do not have police powers. Off duty sworn officers, when a client hires them, remain California peace officers under Penal Code 830.1, with authority limited to what that section allows.
Which officers fit
Most sites need one officer type. Larger sites and events sometimes use more than one.
Unarmed guards
Common
Works for the ID check and lobby at lower volume stores in lower crime areas, and for line control on busy days, as long as an armed officer or police response is close.
Armed guards
Primary
Recommended for most storefronts during open hours, especially at the entry and near the vault, and for opening, closing, and cash movement where the robbery risk concentrates.
Off duty police officers
Common
Fits high volume or high profile stores, locations with prior robberies, and owners who want an officer trained in threat recognition, report writing, and working with responding police.
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Where we cover cannabis dispensaries
Not sure what you need? Call or text (909) 927-7001 and talk to the owner directly, or send us a few details.