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CANNABIS RETAIL STORE SECURITY REQUIREMENTS IN SASKATCHEWAN


Need Security for Your Cannabis Retail Store and don't know where to start?

Reed Security has extensive experience designing robust security solutions that meet strict SLGA requirements.

Drop us a line or call 306-653-3200 if you would like our help protecting your cannabis retail store.


The information within this article is current as of February 8, 2022.

Published by SLGA

Cannabis Regulatory Policy Manual

Appendix: Facility Security


SLGA has developed the following physical security requirements for cannabis wholesale, retail store, and retail off-site storage facilities located in Saskatchewan (referred to in this document as cannabis permitted premises). A detailed description of proposed security measures will be required as part of any permit application, and any changes to an approved plan or system must be authorized by SLGA in advance of implementation.

Subsection 1 describes requirements for cannabis wholesale, standalone retail, and off-site retail storage facilities. Physical security requirements for integrated retail stores, described separately in subsection 2, have been modified on the assumption that integrated stores in small communities will not typically have large amounts of cannabis on the premises at a given time. 

However, SLGA reserves the right to impose additional security requirements before or after permitting as deemed necessary depending on individual business models and operations.


1.    Wholesale, standalone retail, and off-site storage

a.    Alarm System

A cannabis permitted premises must be protected by a professionally installed and monitored alarm system with the following minimum features. All malfunctions must be immediately repaired by a professional technician.

i.     detectors to indicate unauthorized attempts to tamper with, open, enter or penetrate perimeter entry points, perimeter windows and secure cannabis storage area;

ii.    detectors to indicate unauthorized movement within the premises including the secure cannabis storage area;

iii.   capability to detect any attempts to tamper with the system or malfunctions with the system;

iv.   smoke detectors in any areas where cannabis is stored; and

v.    panic/robbery button(s) installed at all point of sale positions (retail store only).

b.    Digital Camera Security System

i.     A cannabis permitted premises must have a digital camera security system with the following minimum features. All malfunctions must be immediately repaired by a professional technician.

ii.    cameras that are enclosed in the ceiling or domes and linked to a monitor and recording system located in a secure area within the premises;

iii.   cameras and lighting that are positioned to clearly capture 24 hour coverage of activity identifying all individuals entering/exiting the premises and all individuals within the premises including the:

•    point of sale area(s) (retail stores only);

•    customer area(s) (retail stores only);

•    areas where cannabis is displayed for sale (retail stores only);

•    receiving area(s);

•    offices and other staff area(s); and

•    any cannabis storage areas.

iv.   system must have on premises 60 calendar day minimum recording retention in a common format that is easily accessible, captured, viewed and capable of producing real time digital colour video (meaning at least 30 frames per second) and still images that clearly identify individuals and contain a time/date stamp not obscuring the image;

v.    recording and viewing system must be located in a secure location within the premises along with a maintained surveillance plan showing camera numbers, locations, coverage, authorized users list and operating instructions;

vi.   if the permittee has knowledge, or should have had knowledge, of any pending criminal or  regulatory investigation, recorded data and relevant information must not be destroyed after the 60 calendar day minimum recording retention period and must be provided to SLGA and police upon request; and

vii.  the system must be tested weekly to ensure all cameras and recording equipment are functioning properly and a log of the test results must be kept and available to SLGA upon request.

c.    Perimeter Security

i.     Standalone cannabis retail stores, off-site retail storage facilities, and cannabis wholesale warehouses must secure perimeter entry points against unauthorized access by, at a minimum:

ii.    the use of 1.5mm (16 gauge) hollow metal doors with 1.9mm (14 gauge) metal frame and tamper‐proof hinges at all entry points;

iii.   commercial grade non‐residential locks on all access points with secured tamper‐proof strike plate and locking device that penetrates the doorframe at minimum 1.25cm;

iv.   an overhead receiving door (if required) constructed of commercial grade material and locking device sufficient to secure against unauthorized access;

v.    perimeter locking devices not on a master key system;

vi.   loading/unloading bay and entry door areas located outside the secure structure for cannabis storage, with any walls or interior access doors adjoining the secure structure meeting the requirements outlined in subsection d below; and

vii.  a customer entrance constructed of commercial grade material sufficient to secure against unauthorized access (retail stores only).

d.    Cannabis Storage

Any areas within a cannabis permitted premises where cannabis is stored, including any receiving or staging areas where cannabis is kept after operating hours, must be fully enclosed in a secure structure that meets the following minimum requirements (this secure structure may form the external walls of the building if preferred, excluding any loading/unloading bays and entry door areas). Cannabis edibles and samples are exempt from this requirement and may remain in the retail area after operating hours.

Subsection e below outlines an alternative option available to retail stores only. SLGA may also consider other alternatives on a case-by-case basis as long as they provide security at least equivalent to the requirements outlined below.

i.     walls, floors, and ceiling constructed of Flattened Metal Mesh, EMMA 557‐99 style ¾‐9F, nominal strand thickness of 0.120” (0.108” to 0.132”) diamond opening of 0.563” x 1.688” or Sheet steel 16ga, A1008/A1008M (cold rolled) or A1011/A1011M (hot  rolled) or equivalent, OR 30 cm (12") high density cement blocks with cores filled with type "M" mortar and reinforced to meet structural codes, OR 20 cm (8") thick poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lbs/in2) minimum), reinforced to meet structural codes;

ii.    if sheet steel or steel mesh is used, it is to be mounted on the outside (attack side) of the room, including the ceiling, in the following manner:

•    support all edges by anti‐spread bracing, studs orcorners;

•    align sheet edges at every vertical and horizontal seam on centre‐line of steel stud or anti‐spread bracing; and

•    secure all sheets with screws, welds or rivets.

iii.   16 gauge (1.6mm) steel sheets, HR Commercial quality, ASTM A366, matte finish, shall extend 1200mm around doorframe on inside of room and attached to the doorframe with screws, welds or rivets. Where the dimensions of the secure structure do not allow for 1200mm clearance around the doorframe, the steel sheets may be bent to conform to the inside of the secure structure walls and/or ceiling);

iv.   minimum 1.5mm (16 gauge) hollow metal door(s) not exceeding 91.44cm (36 inches) width with 1.9mm (14 gauge) metal frame;

v.    commercial grade door lock(s) with locking device(s) that penetrates doorframe at least 1.25cm and tamper‐ proof hinges;

vi.   locking device(s) not on a master key system; and

vii.  ventilation openings with one dimension 15cm (6 inches) or less and the total area of the opening not exceeding 619 cm2 (96 inches2).

e.    Alternative Cannabis Storage (retail stores only)

Instead of a storage room, a retail store may choose to secure cannabis in a burglar resistant safe or similar device (such as a locking refrigeration unit) that meets the following requirements:

i.     the safe is a burglary resistant safe (according to either standard ULC-S324 or standard UL-687 rated at TL-15 or higher.;

ii.    has a locking system that secures the door in multiple parts of the door structure as well on more than one axis; and

iii.   the safe weighs at least 341 kilograms or is anchored to the permanent structure of the building in such a manner that it cannot be removed without first opening the door to the safe.



2.    Integrated retail

a.    Alarm System

Integrated cannabis retail store permitted premises must be protected by a professionally installed and monitored alarm system with the following minimum features. All malfunctions must be immediately repaired by a professional technician.

i.     motion sensors that indicate entry at common entry points (such as exterior windows and doors); and

ii.    panic/robbery button(s) installed at all cannabis point of sale positions.

b.    Digital Camera Security System

The cannabis permitted premises must have a digital camera security system with the following minimum features. All malfunctions must be immediately repaired by a professional technician.

i.     cameras that are enclosed in the ceiling or domes and linked to a monitor and recording system located in a secure area within the premises;

ii.    cameras and lighting that are positioned to clearly capture 24 hour coverage of activity identifying all individuals entering/exiting the cannabis permitted premises and any secure storage areas, and all individuals within the cannabis retail area including the:

•     cannabis point of sale area(s);

•     any areas where cannabis is visibly displayed for sale; and

•     any areas where cannabis is stored.

iii.   system must have on premises 60 calendar day minimum recording retention in a common format that is easily accessible, captured, viewed, and capable of producing real time digital colour video and still images that clearly identify individuals and contain a time/date stamp not obscuring the image;

iv.   recording and viewing system must be located in a secure location within the premises along with a maintained surveillance plan showing camera numbers, locations, coverage, authorized users list and operating instructions.

v.    if the permittee has knowledge, or should have had knowledge, of any pending criminal or regulatory investigation, recorded data and relevant information must not be destroyed after the 60 calendar day minimum recording retention period and must be provided to SLGA and police upon request; and

vi.   the system must be tested weekly to ensure all cameras and recording equipment are functioning properly and a log of the test results must be kept and available to SLGA upon request.

c.    Perimeter Security

A cannabis permitted premises must secure perimeter entry points against unauthorized access by ensuring that all entry points are secured with commercial grade non-residential locks.

d.    Cannabis Storage

Cannabis products, excluding edibles and display samples, must be secured after operating hours using one of the methods described below. SLGA may also consider equivalent methods on a case by case basis.

i.     a commercial safe, gun locker, or similar device located within the cannabis permitted premises that meets the following minimum requirements:

•     is rated by the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) as a residential storage container (according to standard UL-1037) or a burglary resistant safe (according to either standard ULC-S324 or standard UL-687).

•     has a locking system that secures the door in multiple parts of the door structure as well as on more than one axis; and

•     weighs at least 341 kilograms or is anchored to the permanent structure of the building in such a manner that it cannot be removed without first opening the door to the safe.

ii.    a secure storage area within the same facility as the cannabis permitted premises that meets the following minimum requirements:

•     minors are prohibited access at all times;

•     is used to store only products owned by the cannabis retail store permittee and intended for sale in the cannabis permitted premises and any related online store;

•     is protected by an alarm system and digital camera security system as described in subsections a and b above;

•     is secured using 1.5mm (16 gauge) hollow metal doors with 1.9mm (14 gauge metal frame and tamper-proof hinges, plus commercial grade nonresidential locks, a secured tamper-proof strike plate and locking device that penetrates the doorframe at minimum 1.25cm; and

•     is secured with automatic locking doors on any entry points that open onto an unpermitted area or an area not monitored by staff at all times.

iii.   An off-site secure storage facility that is authorized as part of the cannabis retail store permit and meets the off-site storage security requirements outlined in subsection 1 above, as well as any operating requirements described elsewhere in this document.

HOW TO PROTECT A CANNABIS RETAIL STORE




In April 2017, the federal government introduced legislation to legalize and regulate recreational cannabis in Canada. If passed, the proposed federal Cannabis Act would create rules for producing, possessing and selling cannabis across Canada.


The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) will issue approximately 60 cannabis retail permits to private operators in as many as 40 Saskatchewan municipalities and First Nation communities.


Both wholesaling and retailing of cannabis will be conducted by the private sector and regulated by SLGA. Cannabis retailers will be required to establish a standalone storefront operation, with the option to also operate an online store.  Stores will be limited to selling cannabis, cannabis accessories and ancillary items.  Stores must also have the ability to track and report cannabis inventory to help ensure consumers only have access to safe, legal product from regulated wholesalers.

If you would like to open a licensed Cannabis Retail Store in Saskatchewan you will require the following security requirements:


SLGA CANNABIS RETAIL STORE SECURITY REQUIREMENTS


12.!Appendix C - Security Requirements

 

A Cannabis Retail Store Permit will not be issued to an applicant who has not met the physical security requirements for the premises. Any separate storage facility must meet the same requirements.




1)          Alarm System


A cannabis retail store must be protected by a professionally installed and monitored alarm system that contains at a minimum:

a)           detectors to indicate unauthorized attempts to tamper with, open, enter or penetrate perimeter entry points, perimeter windows and secure cannabis storage room;

b)           detectors to indicate unauthorized movement within the premises including the secure cannabis storage room;

c)            capability to detect any attempts to tamper with the system or malfunctions with the system which must be immediately repaired by a professional technician;

d)           panic/robbery button(s) installed at all point of sale positions; and

e)           a plan identifying system compliance must be submitted to SLGA for approval along with any changes to an approved plan or system.

 



2)          Digital Camera Security System


A cannabis retail store must have a digital camera security system that contains, at a minimum:

a)           cameras that are enclosed in the ceiling or domes and linked to a monitor and recording system located in a secure area within the premises;

b)           cameras and lighting must be positioned to clearly capture 24 hour coverage of activity identifying all individuals entering/exiting the premises, including staff areas, and all individuals within the premises including the:

i.             point of sale area(s);

ii.            receiving area(s);

iii.           customer area(s); and

iv.           the secure cannabis storage room.

c)            system must have on premises 60 calendar day minimum recording retention in a common format that is easily accessible, captured, viewed and capable of producing real time digital colour video and still images that clearly identify individuals and contain a time/date stamp not obscuring the image;

d)           recording and viewing system must be located in a secure location within the premises along with a maintained surveillance plan showing camera numbers, locations, coverage, authorized users list and operating instructions.

e)           if the permittee has knowledge, or should have had knowledge, of any pending criminal or regulatory investigation, recorded data and relevant information must not be destroyed after the 60 calendar day minimum recording retention period and must be provided to SLGA and police upon request.

f)            a plan identifying system compliance must be submitted to SLGA for approval along with any changes to an approved plan or system.

g)            the system must be tested weekly to ensure all cameras and recording equipment are functioning properly and a log of the test results must be kept and available to SLGA upon request.

h)           all malfunctions must be immediately repaired.

 

3)          Perimeter Security


A cannabis retail store must secure perimeter entry points against unauthorized access by, at a minimum:

a)           the use of 1.5mm (16 gauge) hollow metal doors with 1.9mm (14 gauge) metal frame and tamper-proof hinges at all entry points other than the customer entrance.

b)           commercial grade non-residential locks on all access points with secured tamper-proof strike plate and locking device must penetrate the door frame at minimum 1.25cm. 

c)            a customer entrance constructed of commercial grade material sufficient to secure against unauthorized access.

d)           an overhead receiving door constructed of commercial grade material and locking device (if required).

e)           sufficient to secure against unauthorized access.

f)            perimeter locking devices not on a master key system.

 

4)          Cannabis Displays, at a minimum, must ensure:

a)           All cannabis displayed in a customer area must be within a showcase that is accessible only by authorized staff.

b)           All cannabis on display must be in its original sealed package or an approved container.

c)            All cannabis not displayed in a customer area, and after operating hours all cannabis, must be stored in a locked secure cannabis storage area accessible only by authorized staff.

 

5)          Cannabis Storage


The cannabis retail store must secure the cannabis in either:

a)           a safe where the safe is a solid metal receptacle capable of lo cking and that weighs either 341 kilograms or that is anchored to the permanent structure of the building. For any items requiring refrigeration, a locking refrigeration unit that weighs 341 kilograms or more orthat isanchored to the permanent structure of the building is considered a safe.

b)           A storage room that meets the following, at a minimum:

i.             constructed of Flattened Metal Mesh, EMMA 557-99 style ¾-9F,nominal strand thickness of 0.120" (0.108" to 0.132"} diamond opening of 0.563" x 1.688" or Sheet steel 16ga, Al008/A1008M (cold rolled) or A1011/A1011M (hot rolled) or equivalent.

ii.            mount steel or steel mesh on the outside (attack side) of the room, including the ceiling, in the following manner:

•             support all edges by anti-spread bracing, studs or corners;

•             align sheet edges at every vertical and horizontal seam on centre-line of steel stud or anti-spread bracing; and

•             secure all sheets with screws, welds or rivets.

iii.           16gauge (1.6mm) steel sheets, HR Commercial quality, ASTM A366, matte finish, shall extend 1200mm around doorframe on inside of room and attached to the doorframe with screws, welds or rivets.

iv.           minimum 1.5mm (16 gauge) hollow metal door not exceeding 36 inches width with 1.9mm (14 gauge) metal frame.

v.            commercial grade door lock with locking device that penetrates doorframe at least 1.25cm and tamper­ proof hinges.

vi.           16mm gypsum wallboards on both sides of the wall (interior optional) attached with drywall screws.



Although not part of the SLGA security requirements we highly recommend installing FlashFog as an added security measure. Burglars Can't Steal What They Can't See.


We have Smart Bundles specifically designed to meet SLGA Security specifications. If you would like more information please Contact Us for a 
FREE QUOTE.

SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
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SECURITY INQUIRIES
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SECURITY INQUIRIES
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SASKATOON SECURITY
Reed Security Group (HEADQUARTERS)
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Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9
Ph: 306.653.3200
1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

Sure Innovations
1701 Saskatchewan Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1P7
Ph: 306.974.0888

Nine Yards Technologies Inc.
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REGINA SECURITY
ViboPulse Services
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WINNIPEG SECURITY
Guardian Advanced Solutions
Ph: 204.250.7510 or 204.878.0061

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY
Thor Security Ltd.
1-243 South Industrial Drive
Prince Albert, SK S6V 7L9
Ph: 306.922.7200

 

NIAGARA REGION SECURITY
Alltech Smart Security
Ph: 289.990.3234

KAWARTHA LAKES REGION SECURITY
Dot Communications
232 Kent St W Unit 4
Lindsay, ON K9V 6A4
Ph: 1.833.368.2666

 

CALGARY SECURITY
Oxford Security Systems
#501, 2903 Kingsview Blvd SE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C4
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EDMONTON SECURITY
Ph: 1.844.384.7233