After several studies were conducted over the last decade, Washington State legalized the recreational use (i-502) of marijuana after decades of it being outlawed based on information from the past. Partially because this is expected to stimulate both the local and state economies, several other states have begun to consider making similar changes in their laws. Politicians from across the country are closely watching how these controversial changes in the state laws will affect our society and economy.
The government of Washington state is strictly regulating this industry and part of these regulations make the use of security camera systems a requirement through i502 Initiative to be a part of this lucrative industry, which is expected to generate over 2 billion dollars in 2014. This is not only one way that a good security camera system can benefit people involved in this industry at any level. Security cameras can also be a good idea because this industry is more vulnerable to theft as a result of the national bank’s policies toward handling funds for these types of businesses. High quality security cameras can even be useful during the growing process. In this article we’re going to take a closer look at these applications.
Legal Requirements For Marijuana Security Camera Systems
To get a general understanding of what these state laws require we’ll take a look at how the Washington State Liquor Control Board i-502 law says that surveillance cameras must be used at any facility which is a licensed part of this industry. The DVR or NVR used to record the security camera footage must be accessible over the internet and be able to record video footage that is stamped with the accurate date and time. The DVR or NVR at any location which is a licensed part of this budding industry must also be protected by a lock box or similar method of preventing unauthorized tampering.
The security cameras have to be positioned in such a way that they can record video footage of the perimeter of the premises in order to be able to monitor both pedestrian and vehicular traffic traveling both ways.
At retail locations a fixed camera, which is able to identify all activity within twenty feet of all entry points, must provide video coverage of the point-of-sale areas at all licensed retail locations. There must also be additional cameras that are able to identify anyone inside this type of facility.
Growing facilities must have cameras that are capable of providing video in low light conditions located so that they will record video of all entrances from inside and outside the building and allow a viewer to easily identify the actions of anyone inside the building. Approaches to the premises must also be monitored with fixed security cameras. All areas where marijuana is grown must have a camera that provides an unobstructed view of any activity involving the plant, including the destruction of any waste.
Protecting the investment.
There are a couple problems facing this fledgling market because of the fact that federal government still considers this plant illegal even though these two states have made it legal and several other states have either already allowed the legal use of marijuana for medical purposes or are going to be voting on it in the near future. The first of these problems is that none of the financial institutions are offering financial services to any business that is involved in selling marijuana. The second problem facing this industry is the fact that the larger, national security camera installation companies will not provide their services to this type business.
The fact that banking institutions will not deal with these businesses means that it is becoming an all cash industry. A pound of marijuana sells for around 2,000 dollars so there is quite a bit of cash being handled and that combined with large amounts of the valuable product makes facilities at all levels of this process a tempting target for thieves. There have been reports of robberies happening all along the supply chain of this business: from the growing all the way to retail sites.
One daring robber cut a hole in the ceiling of warehouse where large amounts of pot was being stored and then used a rope to repel into the building. Once inside the thief gathered a significant amount of the valuable buds before figuring out that he couldn’t climb back down the way he came in and all the doors were locked from the outside. Another thief rammed a car through a warehouse door to gain entry. In yet another robbery people were dressed up like ninjas as they drove off on motorcycles after stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of product in broad daylight. These are just a small portion of the robberies which have been reported to officials and employee theft is always a concern in business.
Exacerbating the problem is the fact that all of the larger security camera companies won’t do new installations for anyone in this business. In many cases these security camera companies have terminated existing contracts without any advance notice. The fact that these businesses are such a tempting target combined with the hands off policy of the national security camera companies is creating an exceptional demand for the services of local security camera installation companies.
Helping to grow quality products.
Marijuana is in fact a weed that will grow in a wide variety of environments without any attention but to be able to consistently yield a quality product requires a lot more attention and care. There are many potential problems that can ruin these crops if you don’t address the issue quickly. Surveillance cameras can help to monitor the situation and allow you to respond quickly if the need arises.
In order to get a high quality bud, the moisture and lighting levels must be closely monitored and maintained throughout the growing cycle. These plants will need different amounts of these nutrients depending on the current stage of their life cycle and staying on top of the changing needs of the plant.
Insect and pest infestations are another thing that can be a sneaky and destructive problem which can ruin an entire crop. There have been studies published that say that there are 272 different types of insects and mites that can damage these plants. If an infestation by any of these critters begins then catching it early is the key to saving your crops.
The female of the species of plant is the only one that will produce the valuable bud. It is even possible for a whole room of marijuana plants to change sex, becoming males overnight if they are stressed enough in the early stages of growth. This stress can be caused by handling the plants too much, not being properly seated in the soil, poor lighting and many other possible factors.
The legal requirements, protecting the investment and that fact that surveillance cameras can help a business to consistently produce a quality product mean that finding quality video surveillance equipment and service are going to crucial for this industry for years to come.
For a cost effective approach to installing an HD Security in your Marijuana Retail Store, Marijuana Farm or Marijuana Distribution Center, check out an HD-CVI System from Security Camera King. It can record 720p over standard Coax cable and is Marijuana Law Compliant.
