What security and storage systems does a dispensary need before opening in New York?

New York requires every dispensary to have a complete security plan and storage plan in place before OCM will issue a final license or allow you to open.

These rules protect product, cash, staff, customers, and the premises.

OCM checks your security layout against your floor plan during the provisional → final review.

This page explains exactly what you need, what OCM looks for, and what causes delays.

Security Requirements

Surveillance Cameras

OCM requires full video coverage of:

• All areas where cannabis is handled, stored, or sold
• All entrances and exits
• Hallways, blind spots, delivery intake, and back-of-house
• Sales floor and POS
• Storage areas, safes, and vaults

Camera footage must be:

• High resolution
• Stored for 60 days
• Accessible to OCM or law enforcement if requested

Any missed area or blind spot can delay your final approval.

Alarm System

Your dispensary must have a professionally monitored alarm system that includes:

• Intrusion alarms
• Door and window sensors
• Glass-break sensors (where needed)
• Panic or duress buttons (strongly encouraged in OCM materials)

Alarms must be active during closed hours and functioning during inspections.

Access Control

Only authorized staff can access cannabis or cash.

• Restricted rooms must be locked (keypad, keycard, coded lock, or equivalent)
• Public customers cannot access back-of-house areas
• Storage rooms must stay closed when not actively used
• Access permissions should match your staffing plan

OCM verifies that limited-access areas are clearly marked on your floor plan.

Lighting

Lighting must support clear video footage.

• Entrances, exits, parking areas, and receiving areas must be well-lit
• Interior lighting must support clear camera capture during open and closed hours

Poor lighting = poor footage = failed inspection.

Storage Requirements

Cannabis Storage

Cannabis must be kept in a secure, limited-access area.

Acceptable storage includes:

• Locked room
• Locked cage
• Safe
• Vault

Product not on display must remain in secure storage.

OCM checks that your storage location matches your submitted floor plan.

Cash Storage

Cash must be stored separately from cannabis in:

• A safe or vault
• A locked, restricted area

Cash-handling SOPs should cover:

• Opening/closing
• Reconciliation
• Transport and deposits

Returns, Quarantine, and Waste

OCM requires separate, secure storage for:

• Returned products
• Quarantined inventory
• Waste awaiting destruction

These areas must be labeled, locked, and not accessible to customers.

Delivery Receiving Requirements

Your dispensary must have a secure delivery intake area.

This area must:

• Be locked or restricted from customer access
• Be covered by cameras
• Lead directly to secure storage
• Allow staff to check manifests, verify product, and log inventory

OCM will compare your receiving layout to your security plan.

What Must Appear on Your Premises Plan

OCM requires a floor plan that clearly shows:

• Camera locations and fields of view
• All doors, entrances, and exits
• Restricted areas and staff-only zones
• Cannabis storage (safe, vault, or room)
• Cash storage
• Delivery intake area
• POS stations
• Customer pathways

If these details are missing or unclear, OCM will request revisions and pause your approval.

Operational Security Requirements

Dispensaries must have written procedures for:

• Opening and closing
• Cash handling
• Inventory handling
• Incident reporting
• Visitor control
• Emergency procedures

While OCM does not require you to upload SOPs, inspectors can request them.

Staff must be trained on:

• ID checks
• Restricted access
• How to report incidents
• How to respond to theft or emergencies

Why This Matters

Most delays at the final licensing stage come from security issues:

• Cameras not covering required areas
• Storage not secured or not matching the floor plan
• Receiving area not restricted
• Access control unclear
• Lighting too dim for usable footage
• Floor plan incomplete or mislabeled

Getting these pieces right early saves money, prevents redesigns, and keeps your final license on track.

References

(Use these to link to internal Purple Ocean legal library pages)

• OCM Guidance for Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries (2024)
• CAURD Retail Dispensary Welcome Packet (Security & Premises)
• 9 NYCRR Adult-Use Retail Security Requirements
• MRTA Article 4 (Premises & Inspection Provisions)
• Local Building & Fire Codes (camera mounting, wiring, access control)

Go Here Next

• Facility Layout and ADA Access
• Pre-Opening Compliance Requirements
• Buildout and Permits

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