Cannabis Facility Security Requirements in Ontario: 2024 Compliance Guide
Ontario cannabis security requirements guide. Understand AGCO regulations, mandatory systems, and compliance for licensed facilities.
Understanding Cannabis Security Regulations in Ontario
Operating a cannabis facility in Ontario comes with significant security obligations. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) sets strict requirements for both retail cannabis stores and licensed producer facilities. Failure to comply can result in fines, license suspension, or revocation—putting your entire investment at risk.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about cannabis security compliance in Ontario, from mandatory systems to best practices that exceed minimum requirements.
AGCO Security Requirements Overview
The AGCO mandates security measures based on license type:
Cannabis Retail Store Authorization (RSA)
Retail cannabis stores in Ontario must have:
- Video surveillance covering all areas of the store
- Intrusion detection systems monitored 24/7
- Access control for restricted areas (storage rooms)
- Panic/hold-up alarm devices
- Secure product storage when closed
- Lighting adequate for surveillance quality
Licensed Producer Security
Production and processing facilities have additional requirements:
- Perimeter security with intrusion detection
- Physical barriers preventing unauthorized access
- Recording of all cannabis handling
- Visitor management protocols
- Background checks for personnel
- Detailed security plans submitted to regulators
Video Surveillance Requirements
Coverage Areas
Cannabis facilities must have camera coverage of:
Retail Stores:
- All entrances and exits
- Sales floor and customer areas
- Point-of-sale stations
- Storage rooms containing cannabis
- Areas where cannabis is displayed
- Exterior entrances
Production Facilities:
- All perimeter access points
- Cannabis growing/production areas
- Packaging and labeling areas
- Vault/storage rooms
- Loading docks
- All interior hallways and access points
Technical Specifications
AGCO-compliant video systems must:
Resolution:
- Minimum 720p for general areas
- Higher resolution recommended for facial identification
- Clear images in all lighting conditions
Recording:
- Continuous 24/7 recording of all areas with cannabis
- Motion-activated recording acceptable for other areas
- Time and date stamps on all footage
- Synchronized time across all cameras
Retention:
- Minimum 30 days retention for all footage
- Incident-related footage preserved until investigation complete
- Footage provided to AGCO/police upon request
Storage:
- Secure, tamper-proof recording systems
- On-site or secure cloud storage
- Backup power to maintain recording during outages
Camera Placement Best Practices
Beyond minimum requirements, we recommend:
- Overlapping coverage to eliminate blind spots
- Cameras at eye level for facial capture at entries
- Wide-angle cameras for overall area coverage
- PTZ cameras for large or critical areas
- Exterior cameras covering parking and delivery areas
Access Control Requirements
Restricted Areas
Cannabis facilities must control access to:
- Areas where cannabis is stored
- Grow rooms and production areas
- Vault/safe locations
- Areas where cannabis is displayed (after hours)
Required Features
Access control systems must provide:
Individual Credentials:
- Each authorized person has unique credential
- No shared PINs or cards
- Credentials linked to background-checked individuals
Access Logging:
- Record of all access events
- Entry and exit times
- Individual identification for each event
- Logs retained for audit purposes
Immediate Revocation:
- Ability to instantly revoke access
- Required when employees terminate
- Alert when revoked credentials attempted
Credential Types for Cannabis Facilities
Recommended options:
Smart Cards (Most Common)
- Encrypted, can’t be easily cloned
- Cost-effective for most facilities
- Easy to issue and revoke
Biometric (Higher Security)
- Fingerprint or facial recognition
- Can’t be shared or borrowed
- Eliminates credential fraud
- Higher cost but worth considering
Two-Factor Authentication
- Card + PIN recommended for vaults
- Provides additional security layer
- Required by some insurers
Intrusion Detection Requirements
24/7 Monitoring
Cannabis facilities must have:
- Professional monitoring by ULC-listed station
- Immediate response protocols
- Police dispatch capability
- Record of all alarm events
Detection Points
Sensors required at:
- All exterior doors and windows
- Skylights and roof hatches
- Interior doors to restricted areas
- Motion detection after hours
System Features
- Unique codes for each authorized user
- Duress codes for robbery situations
- Cellular and/or IP communication (no phone lines alone)
- Backup power (minimum 24 hours)
Panic and Hold-Up Alarms
Cannabis retail stores must have:
- Panic buttons accessible to staff
- Silent alarm capability
- Located at:
- Point-of-sale stations
- Manager offices
- Cannabis storage areas
When activated:
- Signal sent to monitoring station
- Police dispatched immediately
- No audible alarm (silent)
Physical Security Requirements
Cannabis Storage
When facility is closed:
- Cannabis products in locked vault/safe
- Vault must be:
- Fire-resistant
- Bolted to structure
- Access controlled
- Under camera surveillance
Construction Requirements
- Solid doors with commercial locks
- Windows secured against forced entry
- No easy access to roof
- Adequate exterior lighting
Security Personnel
While not always required, consider:
Security Guards
- Retail stores in high-risk areas
- Large production facilities
- During high-value operations
- Special events or sales
Requirements if Used
- Licensed under Ontario’s Private Security and Investigative Services Act
- Proper training and documentation
- Integration with electronic systems
Documentation and Record Keeping
Required Records
Maintain documentation of:
- All access control events
- Alarm activations and responses
- System maintenance and testing
- Security incidents
- Staff security training
- Background check confirmations
Retention Periods
- Video footage: Minimum 30 days
- Access logs: Minimum 2 years
- Incident reports: Permanent
- Training records: Duration of employment + 2 years
Security Plan Requirements
What to Include
Your security plan must address:
- Physical security measures
- Electronic systems (cameras, alarms, access control)
- Personnel security (background checks, training)
- Incident response procedures
- Cannabis tracking and inventory security
- Transportation security (if applicable)
Plan Updates
Review and update your security plan:
- Annually at minimum
- After any security incident
- When adding new operations
- When regulations change
Common Compliance Issues
Frequent Violations
Avoid these common problems:
Camera Coverage Gaps
- Blind spots in storage areas
- Poor exterior coverage
- Cameras blocked by displays
Access Control Failures
- Shared credentials
- Failure to revoke terminated employees
- Incomplete access logs
Monitoring Issues
- Lapsed monitoring contracts
- Communication failures not addressed
- Delayed response protocols
Record Keeping
- Insufficient video retention
- Incomplete access logs
- Missing maintenance records
Cost of Cannabis Security Systems
Retail Store Systems
Typical investment for AGCO-compliant retail security:
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Video Surveillance (8-16 cameras) | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Access Control (2-4 doors) | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Intrusion Detection | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Panic Buttons | $500 - $1,500 |
| Installation & Configuration | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Total | $16,500 - $42,500 |
Plus monthly monitoring: $75 - $150/month
Licensed Producer Facilities
Larger facilities with more complex requirements:
| Facility Size | Typical Investment |
|---|---|
| Small (under 5,000 sq ft) | $25,000 - $50,000 |
| Medium (5,000-20,000 sq ft) | $50,000 - $100,000 |
| Large (20,000+ sq ft) | $100,000+ |
Why Choose Securitron Canada for Cannabis Security
Cannabis security requires specialized expertise. Securitron Canada offers:
AGCO Compliance Expertise
- Deep understanding of current regulations
- Experience with license applications
- Ongoing compliance support
- Updates when regulations change
Comprehensive Solutions
- Video surveillance designed for cannabis
- Access control meeting all requirements
- 24/7 ULC-certified monitoring
- Integrated system management
Industry Experience
- Multiple cannabis retail installations
- Licensed producer facility experience
- Understanding of operational requirements
- Discrete, professional service
Ongoing Support
- Regular system testing
- Maintenance programs
- Compliance documentation
- Rapid response to issues
Protect Your Cannabis Investment
The cannabis industry in Ontario requires significant investment, and proper security protects that investment while ensuring regulatory compliance. Whether you’re opening a new retail location or expanding production facilities, Securitron Canada has the expertise to design and implement a fully compliant security system.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your facility plans, explain all AGCO requirements, and provide a detailed proposal for complete compliance. Don’t risk your license—partner with Ontario’s cannabis security experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ontario cannabis facilities must have comprehensive security including 24/7 video surveillance of all areas, intrusion detection systems, access control for restricted areas, panic buttons, and perimeter security. Specific requirements vary by license type (retail vs. production). Securitron Canada specializes in designing AGCO-compliant security systems.
AGCO regulations require cannabis facilities to retain video surveillance recordings for a minimum of 30 days. Footage related to incidents must be preserved longer and provided to authorities upon request. Many facilities opt for 90-day retention for additional protection. Proper storage solutions are essential for compliance.
Yes, all Ontario cannabis retail stores must have their alarm systems monitored 24/7 by a ULC-listed monitoring station. The monitoring service must be able to dispatch emergency services and maintain records of all alarm activations. Securitron Canada provides compliant 24/7 monitoring for cannabis retailers.
Cannabis facilities must restrict access to cannabis storage and production areas to authorized personnel only. This requires access control systems with individual credentials, detailed access logs, and the ability to immediately revoke access. Visitor access must be tracked and escorted. All access events must be recorded and retained.
AGCO-compliant security systems typically cost $15,000 to $75,000+ depending on facility size, license type, and specific requirements. This includes cameras, access control, intrusion detection, and monitoring setup. While significant, proper security is mandatory for licensing and protects your substantial investment.