Security requirements for Oklahoma cannabis businesses
OMMA regulations require outdoor cannabis grows to be fenced and a number of other security measures for indoor facilities.
We’ve recently experienced quite an uptick in calls about fencing and general security requirements for Oklahoma cannabis businesses. The “too long, didn’t read” version of what you may be after landing on this page is that fencing is only required in the case of outdoor grows. The regulations state that an entire greenhouse or grow area must be fenced. They do not mention fencing the entire property—that is not required. If you are cultivating indoors, you will not be required to erect a fence, but it’s important to understand what security measures are required regardless what type of cannabis business you’re running and where. We’ve extracted Oklahoma Administrative Code Section 475:20-1-4 on Physical security controls for your convenience below.
…Security controls for medical marijuana commercial growers, processors, packagers, and manufacturers shall, at a minimum, meet the following requirements:
(1) All in-process medical marijuana shall be returned to the storage area at the termination of the process. If the process is not terminated at the end of a workday (except where a continuous process or other normal manufacturing operation should not be interrupted), the processing area or tanks, vessels, bins or bulk containers containing medical marijuana shall be securely locked, with adequate security for the area or building.
(2) Each building shall require a security alarm system, that upon unauthorized entry, shall transmit a signal directly to a central station protection company, or local or state police agency that has a legal duty to respond, or a 24-hour control station operated by the registrant, or to such other source of protection as the Director may approve.
(3) Each building shall be equipped with self-closing, self-locking doors constructed of substantial material commensurate with the type of building construction, provided, however, a door which is kept closed and locked at all times when not in use and when in use is kept under direct observation of a responsible employee or agent of the registrant is permitted in lieu of a self-closing, self-locking door. Doors may be sliding or hinged. If doors hinges are mounted on the outside, such hinges shall be sealed, welded or otherwise constructed to inhibit removal. Locking devices for such doors shall be either of the multiple-position combination, keyless entry, or key lock type and; (A) In the case of key locks, shall require key control which limits access to a limited number of employees, or; (B) In the case of multiple-position combination or keyless entry systems, the system shall be limited to a minimum number of employees and can be changed upon termination of employment of an employee having knowledge of the combination.
(4) Any outdoor or greenhouse facilities shall provide adequate security measures for the area or building including the following: (A) The entire outdoor or greenhouse facility shall be surrounded by a fence and entry gates. Acceptable fencing shall be a metal chain link fence with a wire diameter at least nine (9) gauge or larger, or another similarly secure material or wood. The fence shall measure at least eight (8) feet from the ground to the top of the fence. The fence may be at least six (6) feet of acceptable fencing with a top guard of fencing wire with sharp edges or points, such as barbed wire, to enhance the overall height of the fence to the minimum of eight (8) feet. All support posts shall be steel and securely anchored. (B) All entry gates shall measure at least eight (8) feet from the ground to the top of the entry gate and shall be constructed of acceptable fencing. The entry gate may be at least six (6) feet of acceptable fencing with a top guard of fencing wire with sharp edges or points, such as barbed wire, to enhance the overall height of the entry gate to the minimum of eight (8) feet. All entry gates shall be kept closed and securely locked at all times when not in use and when in use shall be kept under direct observation of a responsible employee or agent of the registrant. (C) The fence and entry gates shall be in good repair and obscure the outdoor or greenhouse facility so that it is not easily viewed from outside the fence or entry gates.
(5) The medical marijuana commercial growing, processing, packaging, and manufacturing areas shall be accessible only to an absolute minimum number of authorized employees. When it is necessary for employee maintenance personnel, nonemployee maintenance personnel, business guests, or visitors to be present in or pass through areas where controlled dangerous substances are present, the registrant shall provide for adequate observation of the area by an employee specifically authorized in writing.
(6) A registrant may, in writing, request that the OBN waive one or more of the security requirements described in subsection (4) of this rule, by submitting on a form provided by the OBN a security waiver request for OBN approval. The OBN may in its discretion and on a case- by-case basis, approve the security waiver if it finds that the alternative safeguard proposed by the registrant meets the goals of the above security requirements. Approved security waivers expire at the same time as the underlying registration. The registrants request for a waiver shall include: (A) The specific portion(s) of subsection (4) that is requested to be waived; (B) The reason for the waiver; and, (C) A description of an alternative safeguard the registrant will implement in lieu of the requirement that is the subject of the waiver.
Okla. Admin. Code § 475:20-1-4
If you have a cannabis business or are in the process of establishing one and need guidance regarding regulatory compliance, compliance assurance or cannabis and corporate law questions contact the Attorneys at Gies Law Firm today. We have successfully guided hundreds of clients through the licensure and permitting process and beyond. We’ll keep you compliant and aware.
