Impact of COVID-19 on U.S. Cannabis Dispensary Security

The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on businesses globally increases the need for organizations to have effective security measures in place, specifically in the cannabis industry. Several U.S. states have ordered businesses considered “nonessential” to close, only allowing businesses deemed “essential” to remain open. The essential list includes retail service providers such as grocery stores and liquor stores and, in some instances, cannabis retailers and producers. 

States where cannabis is legal, including California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey, have determined that medical marijuana dispensaries are an essential part of the healthcare system and should continue to operate amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Some states have shut down adult-use sales, only allowing medical sales and others only allow pickup or delivery.¹

Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, it is especially important for cannabis retailers in the U.S. to have effective security plans in place and ensure their data is protected. 

How Kroll Can Help

• Provide key considerations for dispensary security plans, including data privacy and security systems
• Highlight weaknesses in your existing business continuity and disaster recovery plans and recommend updates using best practices
• Perform due diligence on cannabis-related business partners, assessing potential risks from new and existing customers, third parties, investments and partners
• Enhance ability to respond to cyberattacks and improve data protection

Click here to read our recent whitepaper on cyber threats for cannabis retailers. 

Source
¹ https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/27/marijuana/americans-want-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-deemed-essential-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-poll-finds/