Security Systems and Monitoring Requirements

What security systems does a dispensary need to be approved in New York?

Every dispensary must have a full commercial security system in place before OCM will allow operations to begin. Security is a condition of licensure and is reviewed during application, pre-opening inspections, routine inspections, and investigations.

These rules exist to:

Prevent diversion
Protect staff and customers
Ensure cannabis inventory is monitored and traceable at all times

Video Surveillance Requirements

Where Cameras Must Cover

OCM requires continuous video coverage of all areas where:

Cannabis is stored
Cannabis is received, handled, or packaged
Sales occur
Cash is stored or handled
Employees enter or exit
Customers enter or exit
The vault or secure storage room is located
Any restricted-access area exists
Any exterior area where cannabis is moved in or out

If OCM or law enforcement cannot see an area on video, it is considered unmonitored, which is a violation.

Camera Performance Standards

Cameras must:

Record continuously, 24 hours a day
Capture images clear enough to identify people and activity
Have sufficient lighting to show all movement
Be positioned to eliminate blind spots in required areas

Video Retention

Operators must:

Retain video recordings for at least 60 days
Store footage on a secure system
Provide OCM with an unaltered copy immediately upon request

Alarm System Requirements

Required Alarm Features

Your alarm system must:

Detect unauthorized entry into the premises
Detect unauthorized entry into the vault or secure storage room
Notify law enforcement or a central monitoring station when triggered
Include panic buttons if required by local fire or building authorities

Backup Power

Security alarms and surveillance systems must:

Remain fully operational during a power outage
Function for a minimum of 8 hours without external power

Restricted Access and Internal Controls

Secured Internal Areas

Access must be strictly controlled for:

Vault or secure storage rooms
Back-of-house areas
Product handling rooms
Delivery intake areas
Cash storage or cash-counting rooms

Doors must be equipped with:

Electronic access controls
Keycards, PINs, or biometric access
Entry logs showing who entered, when, and for how long

Employee Access Rules

Operators must ensure:

Only authorized employees access cannabis or cash
Access permissions align with job duties
Visitors are escorted at all times
Contractors are logged, supervised, and restricted

On-Site Storage Security

Vault and Secure Storage

Cannabis inventory must be stored in:

A locked room or vault designed for secure storage
An area constructed with solid walls or reinforced materials
A space that is alarmed and recorded at all times

Cannabis may not be stored:

On the sales floor overnight
In any unmonitored or unsecured area

Transport and Product Intake

Deliveries and intake must occur:

In monitored areas
Away from public view
Under continuous camera coverage

Unmonitored intake or unloading is treated as a security failure.

Daily Monitoring and Incident Requirements

Required Daily Oversight

Operators must confirm daily that:

All cameras are functioning
Alarm systems are active and monitored
Access logs are intact
No blind spots or obstructions exist
Recording and storage systems are working properly

Incident Reporting

If a security incident occurs, including:

Theft
Product loss
System failure
Tampering