ASIS International has released an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved standard dedicated to cannabis security that “sets a new benchmark by providing comprehensive requirements and guidance for the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and maintenance of a cannabis security program,” ASIS stated.

“While previous efforts have sought to establish security standards for the cannabis industry, none match the comprehensive and well-organized nature of this standard,” said Tim Sutton, vice chairman of ASIS International’s Professional Standards Board (PSB) and co-chair of the technical committee for the Cannabis Security Standard’s development.

Sutton continued, “Crafted by seasoned experts in cannabis security, it stands out as the most thorough, covering the entire spectrum of security programs. Rooted in established and proven security standards, this initiative sets a new benchmark for the industry. This standard is not only needed, but anxiously anticipated by the industry.”

Members of the standard’s technical committee represent security professionals who are actively working within the industry and other related subject matter experts who not only understand security best practices but understand the importance of applying industry-recognized security risk management principles.

Aligned with the enterprise security risk management (ESRM) approach, the new standard is said to serve as an invaluable tool to safeguard cannabis organizations and their assets by taking a holistic perspective.

Key elements of ASIS International’s ANSI-approved Cannabis Security Standard include:

• Comprehensive Security Program Guidance: The standard offers a robust framework for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of cannabis security programs. It encompasses every aspect of security risk management, ensuring a thorough and proactive approach.
• Physical Protection Systems (PPS) Requirements: Providing guidance and minimum security requirements, the standard focuses on the identification, application, and management of physical protection systems. This includes safeguarding assets such as people, property, and information associated with cannabis operations, storage, and transport.
• Exceeding Jurisdictional Compliance: In some instances, the standard surpasses the requirements mandated by local jurisdictions, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in cannabis security. This ensures that cannabis organizations adopting this standard are equipped with the highest level of protection.
• Mitigation Strategies: A key highlight of the standard is its emphasis on mitigation strategies. From threat assessment to response planning, security practitioners gain access to proactive measures that fortify the resilience of cannabis organizations against potential risks.

“In an industry evolving at a rapid pace, our standard not only meets but exceeds expectations, reflecting our commitment to advancing security practices,” said Susan Carioti, vice president, certification, Standards and Guidelines, ASIS. “This standard is a testament to our dedication to providing best-in-class solutions that fortify cannabis organizations and contribute to the overall safety of the industry.”

ASIS, in its role as an accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO), develops standards and guidelines to serve the needs of security practitioners in today’s global environment.

For more information and to access the ANSI-accredited Cannabis Security Standard, go here.