Cannabis
Cannabis dispensary security cameras and access control
Camera systems designed to California's cannabis surveillance rules, with 90-day retention, access control for limited-access rooms and the documentation inspectors ask for.
The short answer
California treats dispensary security as a license condition. WCC designs camera coverage to the DCC's required areas, sizes storage for at least 90 days of continuous recording, controls and logs entry to limited-access rooms, and hands over the coverage documentation for your inspections.
State requirements
What California requires for cannabis video surveillance
The Department of Cannabis Control sets minimum security rules for every licensee. A system that misses a required area or falls short on retention can mean a failed inspection, not just a theft risk.
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Recording | Continuous, 24 hours a day |
| Resolution | At least 1280 x 720, enough detail to identify people |
| Coverage | Limited-access areas, entrances and exits, point of sale, security rooms, storage and movement of cannabis |
| Retention | At least 90 calendar days |
| Alarm | Installed and monitored by a licensed alarm company operator |
| Local rules | City and county permits often add more |
Summary only. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Department of Cannabis Control and your local permitting office.
What we deliver
Dispensary security, designed for inspection
Dispensaries are cash- and product-heavy targets. The same system has to satisfy the regulator and stop theft.
Camera coverage. Cameras placed to cover every required area, with sales floor, POS, vault and exterior coverage mapped before install.
Retention and recording. Storage sized for 90 days of continuous recording, with failure alerts so a dead camera doesn't go unnoticed.
Access control. Credentialed entry to vaults, storage and limited-access rooms, with a log of who entered and when.
Network. POS and track-and-trace systems on their own network segment, separate from guest Wi-Fi.
Alarm integration. Cameras and doors connected to your licensed alarm company's system.
License types
Each license type has its own coverage needs
| Operation | Focus |
|---|---|
| Storefront retail | Sales floor, POS, entrances, vault and exterior |
| Multi-location operators | One standard across every store, one dashboard |
| Delivery and distribution | Loading, staging and storage, with access logs for chain of custody |
| Cultivation and manufacturing | Large limited-access areas and perimeter |
| Consumption lounges | Consumption areas, POS and entry under local rules |
Why WCC
Why dispensaries choose WCC
Designed to the rules. Coverage and retention planned against DCC requirements from the first site walk.
Documentation included. Coverage layouts, camera schedules and retention settings at closeout.
Cameras, doors and network together. One licensed contractor for all three.
Licensed since 2003. CSLB #819788 with C-7, C-10 and C-28 classifications.
FAQ
Cannabis dispensary security questions
What camera coverage does California require for cannabis businesses?
Under California's Department of Cannabis Control rules, licensees must record continuously, 24 hours a day, with cameras covering limited-access areas, entrances and exits, point-of-sale areas, security rooms and areas where cannabis is stored or moved. Cameras must record at a minimum of 1280 x 720 resolution and capture enough detail to identify people. Local permits can add requirements, so always confirm with the DCC and your city.
How long must dispensary footage be kept?
At least 90 calendar days under DCC rules. Storage has to be sized for every camera at the required quality for the full period, which drives much of the system cost.
Does a dispensary need an alarm system?
Yes. DCC rules require an alarm system installed and monitored by a licensed alarm company operator. WCC designs cameras and access control to integrate with your licensed alarm provider.
Which camera platforms work for dispensaries?
Avigilon, Verkada and Rhombus are common choices. All are NDAA compliant and support fast search, remote viewing and the retention dispensaries need. On-site or hybrid storage often costs less than cloud-only for 90-day retention across many cameras.
Can you standardize security across multiple locations?
Yes. Multi-location operators get one camera, access control and network standard rolled out the same way at every site, viewable from one dashboard.
What documentation do you provide?
Camera layouts showing coverage of required areas, camera schedules, retention settings and access control records, so you have them ready for inspections and permit renewals.
Related
Related guides and services
Get a recommendation
Get a dispensary security assessment
We map your floor plan against the state's required areas and return a camera, storage and access control design with a line-item quote.