If you own or operate a licensed cannabis business, you likely already know that security is a significant concern. Many business owners have been through an incident themselves or know someone who has. But the stats can demonstrate how much risk cannabis firms face—and what that can mean for your security plan beyond those events.
The Numbers Behind the News
Cannabis-related commercial burglaries are disproportionately high relative to their overall footprint. Cannabis firms made up less than 1% of all local businesses in Denver, yet they accounted for over 10% of recorded commercial thefts between 2012 and 2016. More current Denver Police Department numbers reveal cannabis shops are burglarized more than 100 times a year, and about 17 percent of dispensaries are robbed in any given year.
There’s also been a lot of crime around cannabis shops in Portland. From 2015 to 2023, cannabis businesses in the state recorded 573 crimes, including 33 robberies in the first half of 2023—the highest six-month total on record. Security-monitoring companies in the Portland area estimate that 72 percent of cannabis businesses have had at least one robbery, burglary, or damage.
Similar trends have been noted in Los Angeles. “Crime related to dispensaries almost doubled from 2021 to 2022, and the trend is continuing into 2025 and 2026,” according to industry monitoring agencies. Repeat targeting is a problem for operators: organizations that don’t update their security measures may remain attractive to the same or other groups.
Timing is also important. Many dispensary break-ins across several cities occur between 1 AM and 4 AM, after hours when the business is closed, and fewer people are present to respond. Typical examples include “smash-and-grab” or “crash-and-grab” break-ins, where someone smashes in, grabs everything they can, and leaves before help arrives.
The financial impact can also be substantial. Wharton School research states that a robbery or burglary of a dispensary without access to standard banking can cause an average loss of between $20,000 and $50,000 per event, involving cash, product, or both.
It Is Not Just Burglaries
Cannabis businesses must be aware of more than just robbery and burglary. Another known concern is employee theft, since employees have frequent access to products and cash. This might include taking cash, giving illicit discounts to associates, or, in more serious circumstances, assisting with an outside burglary. Most employees don’t do this, but a security plan that focuses mainly on after-hours break-ins doesn’t cover these additional risks.
It’s also worth noting that not all studies conclude the same thing about cannabis businesses and crime. One academic study that looked at commercial burglary and robbery rates around dispensaries in Florida showed no meaningful rise in those crimes after a dispensary established nearby. That’s not to say the city-level data from Denver, Portland, and Los Angeles should be dismissed, but it does show why operators should look at their own location and local crime data rather than relying on industry-wide averages.
What This Means in Sacramento Specifically
Sacramento has also seen targeted attacks on licensed cannabis businesses, including armed burglaries, vehicle break-ins, and attacks at grow facilities. Some operators have reportedly been followed after closing and repeatedly targeted by burglary groups.
Many incidents occur after hours, often involving forced entry at businesses with cameras but no real-time monitoring. Security equipment matters, but knowing when and how to respond matters just as much.
Why cannabis companies are being hunted at this velocity
Cannabis shops might be more appealing targets than other types of retail for a variety of reasons:
- Cash-intensive. Federal banking limitations still mean many cannabis businesses have to deal in large amounts of cash, making them tempting targets for theft.
- Good, portable product. Thieves find cannabis flower and concentrates attractive since they are compact, popular, and simple to transport.
- Anticipated periods of vulnerability. Overnight closures without live monitoring create a predictable window during which a property is unoccupied and more vulnerable.
- Low perceived danger to the perpetrator. Businesses may not want to publicize incidents, and response times vary by area. These qualities can lead to a notion that some cannabis enterprises are easier targets than other high-value businesses.
The numbers aren’t meant to scare you. They’re about making better choices. Every cannabis business faces different risks, but regular security reviews, trained staff, and adaptable security measures can help reduce operational and compliance concerns.
Protect Your Cannabis Business Before Something Happens
Despite ongoing security threats for cannabis firms, many risks can be mitigated with the right strategy. With trained staff, proper security technology, and regular compliance planning, you can protect your organization.
Massive Security enhances security for licensed cannabis businesses with expert security services, risk assessments, and bespoke protection plans tailored for the cannabis industry.
Whether you are starting a new dispensary, expanding your operations, or evaluating your present security program, our staff can help you create a security plan that fits your business and its unique needs.