MN Canna Quick Overview: What type of security do I need exactly?

Carpfish Creative
2 hours ago
3 min read

Minnesota’s onsite security rules are codified in Minn. R. 9810.1500 (“SECURITY”) and reinforce the requirement that every cannabis business license type (including cultivation, microbusiness, mezzobusiness, retail, manufacturing, etc.) must implement a robust, documented security plan to protect product, people, and assets. Below is a plain‑English breakdown of the key onsite security.

Core security systems required

Alarm system: You must install a 24/7 monitored alarm system covering all entry points, with immediate notification to authorized personnel and local law enforcement for breaches or failures. The system must have a backup (e.g., battery/Ups) that kicks in on power loss and must be repaired or an alternative security must be in place before continuing operations.
Video surveillance: All premises associated with the license must be under continuous video surveillance, including all entry/exit points, restricted areas, and any areas where cannabis is stored, processed, or sold; footage must be stored for at least 90 days and be clearly viewable (e.g., high‑resolution, proper lighting)
Lighting and locks: Sufficient lighting must be provided around entrances and restricted areas, and all exterior doors and access points must have high‑quality locks or access‑control systems (e.g., electronic locks, keycards, biometrics) to prevent unauthorized entry.

Access control and restricted areas

Limited and restricted access: The business must identify and protect limited‑access and restricted‑access areas (e.g., cultivation rooms, processing rooms, vaults, cash areas) with controlled entry, access‑log records, and audit trails.
Visitor and worker protocols: Written procedures must govern who can enter secured areas, how visitors are logged/escorted, and how staff are trained on security policies; security plans must guard against unauthorized access to electronic or paper records and to vehicles transporting cannabis.

Outdoor cultivation and perimeter security

Outdoor grows: Any outdoor cultivation area must be enclosed by commercial‑grade fencing at least six feet high, with locked gates and visually obscured or screened views from outside to prevent casual observation. The fencing must be designed to deter unauthorized access, not just decorative or agricultural‑grade panels.
Perimeter monitoring: Cameras and lighting must cover the perimeter, points of entry/exit, and any parking or loading zones where product is handled or stored.

Security plan, testing, and response

Written security plan: Every licensee must develop, document, implement, and maintain a security plan that addresses theft, diversion, unauthorized access, and emergency response, including at least a 30‑minute immediate‑response protocol for security events.
Testing and records: The business must establish procedures for regularly testing and maintaining security systems (alarms, cameras, locks, access controls) and keep records of tests, repairs, and incidents; these records must be available for OCM inspection.cannabiscultivationconsulting+2

Security personnel and staffing

Security guards: A cannabis business may employ or contract armed or unarmed guards, but security guards must meet Minnesota’s age and training requirements under state law (Statutes section 326.3361).
On‑site presence: Guards are not universally required at all times, but OCM can mandate security‑personnel requirements in specific circumstances (e.g., events, high‑risk areas, or based on local law enforcement input).

Practical checklist for your site

24/7 monitored alarm with backup power and law‑enforcement notification.
High‑resolution video covering all doors, loading areas, cash‑handling, and grow/processing rooms, with 90‑day retention.
Commercial‑grade fencing and locked gates for outdoor grows; no agricultural‑style fencing.
Electronic or mechanical access control (keycards/biometrics) plus paper/electronic logs for restricted areas.
Written security plan and SOPs, including incident‑response and testing schedules.

If you tell the license type (e.g., Class A cultivation vs. microbusiness with retail) and rough facility layout, the rules can be mapped step‑by‑step to your design (e.g., where cameras, locks, and “restricted” labels need to go).