Keep your marijuana dispensary safe during a robbery

With the burgeoning new marijuana industry in Massachusetts, many people have a lot of misconceptions about how a retail dispensary is run, and what they are able to do. One misconception is that its a cash business. Because of the fact that marijuana is NOT legalized on the federal level, it is true that federally chartered banks do not offer services to marijuana businesses. That doesn't mean that state chartered banks cannot, or will not do it. Please call us for a referral to one of our banking partners if you're looking for banking and credit/debit processing services.

Anyway, because of the misconception that local retail dispensaries are cash-only businesses, there is the heightened possibility that some may try to steal all of the perceived cash on hand. In other states marijuana dispensaries are increasingly becoming targets for armed robberies. In this post, we'll try to explain how to keep your dispensary safe during a robbery.

​How you handle yourself while on the job can help reduce the chance for an incident. Even more importantly, how you handle yourself during a hold-up situation can prevent injury or death.

Building a Safe Atmosphere

​Since you need to be 21 and show ID to purchase medical marijuana, those without an ID should never be allowed into any area where products are displayed or transactions occur. Aggressively regulating entry can help reduce opportunity. This is required by the Cannabis Control Commission and is a key part of every dispensary's approved security plan.

Hold-ups and How To Keep Your Dispensary Safe During a Robbery

​Even when employees take all the proper precautions, there is still chance for a robbery. If such a robbery occurs while you are at work, remember the following tips:

• Try to remain as calm as possible. This will go a long way in keeping others, and the robber, calm.
  
• Comply with the robber’s instructions.
  
• Announce your actions to the robber so they don’t feel threatened by your movements.
  
• Give the robber any money or goods that they ask for without resistance, but don’t offer up anything they haven’t already mentioned.
  
• Make mental notes about the robber’s appearance so you can inform police.
  
• Never attempt to physically stop an armed robber.
  
• When the robber leaves, secure the building as soon as it is safely possible.
  

Do what you can to make sure you stay safe during a dangerous situation; do not try to be a hero. Your first priority should be to make sure everyone on the premises remains safe by trying to bring the situation to an end as quickly as possible.

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