IT Regulations Cannabis Businesses Face
Running a legal cannabis business means dealing with a complex web of security measures and regulations that change from state to state. What’s legal in Colorado might not be legal in California. The way you track inventory in Nevada is different from how you do it in New York. These differences aren’t just minor details – they can make or break your business.
Why State Regulations Vary So Much
Cannabis laws are still evolving across the United States. Each state has created its own rules based on different priorities and concerns. Some states focus heavily on medical use, while others have embraced both medical and recreational markets
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Non-compliance isn’t just a minor inconvenience. The cannabis industry faces serious consequences when they don’t follow state regulations properly including heavy fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges.
How IT Systems Make or Break Compliance
Your technology systems are the backbone of regulatory compliance. Every sale, every gram of product, and every customer interaction must be tracked and reported according to state rules. This includes:
- Seed-to-sale tracking through every step
- Capturing customer and product data at the point of sale.
- Surveillance systems and access control systems that meet state standards
- Data backup and storage that protects sensitive information
- Regular reporting that happens automatically and accurately
Why Generic IT Services Aren’t Enough
Most IT companies don’t understand cannabis regulations. They might be great at fixing computers or setting up networks, but they don’t know the specific compliance requirements your business faces.
This gap in knowledge can lead to:
- Missing data regulators demand
- Gaps in security that put your license at risk
- Preventable compliance failures
The Cannabis Technology Partners Advantage
At Cannabis Technology Partners, we live and breathe cannabis compliance. We’ve made it our mission to understand the specific IT requirements and security protocols for cannabis businesses in every legal state.
Contact us for more information about your state’s requirements and to learn more about our Cannabis Security Solutions
Overview of Each State’s IT Security Requirements
Regulations change fast. We track changes across the U.S. and summarize the IT-relevant requirements—seed-to-sale integrations, POS data capture, video surveillance, access control, retention, and reporting. To keep you aligned with your state’s current rules, the spreadsheet links directly to each regulator’s site.
How to use this resource
- Start with your state’s row, then click the Regulator/Program link to confirm the latest rules.
- Treat our notes as an implementation guide for IT and security—not a substitute for the posted regulations.
- If anything looks unclear or has recently changed, contact us and we’ll validate and update.
Our commitment to accuracy
We monitor regulator updates, bulletins, and rule changes and refresh this overview on a regular cadence. When states issue emergency rules or guidance, we prioritize updates that impact:
- Camera specs/coverage and retention windows
- POS/track-and-trace integrations and reporting intervals
- Data retention, encryption, backup, and audit requirements
Important notice (read this part)
This resource is for informational and operational planning purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Final compliance obligations are determined by your state regulator(s) and controlling statutes/rules. Always verify requirements using the regulator link provided for your state.
Want it handled correctly the first time?
Cannabis Technology Partners designs, implements, and manages compliant IT for multi-site operators and single-store teams alike. We’ll map your workflows to state rules, harden your systems, and set up monitoring so reporting is automatic and audit-ready.
- Compliance readiness review (track-and-trace, POS, video, access control)
- Gap assessment with a prioritized remediation plan
- Policy templates and audit evidence packages
- Ongoing monitoring and change-tracking when rules shift
Last reviewed: October 9, 2025 • Questions or updates? Contact: info@cannabistechnologypartners.com
| State | Video Surveillance | Access Control | Technology & Data Security | Notes |
| AK | 24/7 HD surveillance; 40-day retention; coverage of all areas incl. transport zones | Badge or biometric access; alarm systems; visitor logs | Secure server storage; encrypted data; GPS tracking for transport | Adult-use legalized by ballot (Measure 2, 2014). |
| AL | Medical cannabis legalized; 24/7 surveillance; 30-day retention | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm systems | Secure server storage; encrypted data; audit logs | Implementation phase; licensing underway |
| AR | Medical cannabis only; 24/7 surveillance; 90-day retention | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm integration | Secure server storage; encrypted backups; audit logs | No recreational use; strict medical rules |
| AZ | 24/7 surveillance; 30-day retention; coverage of all activity zones | Controlled access to limited areas; visitor logs | Secure local storage; recommended encryption; audit logs | Medical and adult-use under ADHS |
| CA | 24/7 HD surveillance; 90-day retention; real-time access for regulators | Biometric access; alarm systems; restricted zones clearly marked | Cybersecurity protocols; GPS tracking for transport; encrypted data backups | Most mature regulatory framework; detailed SOPs required |
| CO | 24/7 HD surveillance; 40-day retention; coverage of all areas incl. storage | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm systems | Secure local storage; audit logs; encryption recommended | Mature market; detailed MED rules2 |
| CT | 24/7 HD surveillance; 60-day retention; coverage of all areas incl. vaults | Badge or biometric access; alarm systems; visitor logs | Secure server storage; encrypted data; remote access prohibited | Adult-use legalized in 2021; DCP enforces strict SOPs |
| DE | 24/7 coverage of all marijuana areas + entries; 90 days (routine) and up to 36 months if significant; secure on-site or third-party storage; Commissioner must have 24/7 remote access; document outages and follow failure procedures | Store all marijuana/products in locked & secured areas; limit entry to authorized personnel; visitors/contractors supervised; commercial-grade locks on perimeter doors; perimeter lighting sufficient for cameras within 10 ft; operational alarm with third-party monitoring & automatic notifications; monthly alarm inspections; maintain visitor logs (retain 1 year) | Use state seed-to-sale and retain electronic transport manifests 5 years; report theft/diversion within 1 business day; keep alarm/video maintenance & incident documentation ≥24 months; implement SOPs for record keeping, personnel security, disaster plan, and business continuity | Adult-use legalized in 2023; rules pending |
| FL | 24/7 surveillance; 45-day retention; camera placement must cover all activity zones | Access logs; badge system; restricted access to vaults and grow areas | Data security plan required; encrypted storage; remote access allowed with safeguards | Medical-only market; strict physical security rules1 |
| GA | Limited medical cannabis; 24/7 surveillance; 90-day retention | Controlled access to production areas; visitor logs | Secure server storage: encryption required | Only low-THC oil allowed; strict production rules |
| HI | Medical cannabis only; 24/7 surveillance; 30-day retention | Controlled access to grow and vault areas; visitor logs | Secure local storage; encryption required; remote access prohibited | Medical-only market; dispensary rules vary by island |
| IA | Limited medical cannabis; 24/7 surveillance; 30-day retention | Controlled access to production areas; visitor logs | Secure local storage; encryption recommended | Low-THC medical program only |
| ID | No legal cannabis program | N/A | N/A | CBD-only laws; no medical or recreational cannabis |
| IL | 24/7 surveillance; 90-day retention; coverage of all ingress/egress points | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm integration | Secure server storage; encryption required; audit logs | Adult-use and medical aligned under IDFPR |
| IN | No legal cannabis program | N/A | N/A | CBD-only laws; no medical or recreational cannabis |
| KS | No legal cannabis program | N/A | N/A | CBD-only laws; no medical or recreational cannabis |
| KY | Medical cannabis legalized in 2023; regulations pending | TBD | TBD | Implementation underway; no finalized security rules yet |
| LA | Medical cannabis only; 24/7 surveillance; 30-day retention | Badge system; restricted access zones | Secure local storage; encrypted backups; audit logs | Licensed pharmacies only; limited grower licenses |
| MA | 24/7 HD surveillance; 90-day retention; coverage of all areas incl. vaults | Badge or biometric access; visitor logs; alarm systems | Cybersecurity plan required; encrypted data; remote access prohibited | CCC mandates detailed SOPs |
| MD | 24/7 surveillance; 45-day retention; coverage of all activity zones | Badge or biometric access; alarm systems; visitor logs | Secure server storage; encryption required; audit logs | Medical-only until July 2023; now adult-use included |
| ME | 24/7 HD surveillance; 60-day retention; coverage of all areas incl. transport zones | Badge or biometric access; alarm systems; visitor logs | Secure server storage; encrypted data; GPS tracking for transport | Adult-use legalized in 2016; robust compliance framework |
| MI | 24/7 surveillance; 30-day retention; coverage of all ingress/egress points | Controlled access to limited areas; visitor logs; alarm integration | Secure server storage; audit logs; encryption recommended but not mandated | Medical and adult-use rules aligned under CRA |
| MN | 24/7 HD surveillance; 90-day retention; coverage of all areas incl. delivery zones | Badge system; biometric access optional; alarm integration | Cybersecurity plan required; GPS tracking; encrypted data backups | Adult-use legalized; OCM enforces strict compliance |
| MO | 24/7 surveillance; 60-day retention; coverage of all activity zones | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm systems | Secure server storage; encryption required; audit logs | Adult-use legalized in 2022; unified medical/adult-use rules |
| MS | Medical cannabis legalized; 24/7 surveillance; 60-day retention | Controlled access to grow and vault areas; visitor logs | Secure local storage; encryption required; remote access prohibited | Medical-only market; active dispensary licensing |
| MT | 24/7 surveillance; 30-day retention; coverage of all activity zones | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm integration | Secure server storage; encrypted backups; audit logs | Adult-use legalized in 2020; unified rules |
| NC | No legal cannabis program | N/A | N/A | Only CBD allowed under limited conditions |
| ND | Medical cannabis only; 24/7 surveillance; 30-day retention | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm integration | Secure server storage; encrypted backups; audit logs | Adult-use failed ballot; medical-only market |
| NE | No legal cannabis program | N/A | N/A | Legislative efforts ongoing; not yet legalized |
| NH | Medical cannabis only; 24/7 surveillance; 30-day retention | Controlled access to grow and vault areas; visitor logs | Secure local storage; encryption required; audit logs | Adult-use bills pending; medical-only market |
| NJ | 24/7 surveillance; 60-day retention; coverage of all areas incl. transport zones | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm systems | Cybersecurity protocols; encrypted data; remote access allowed with safeguards | CRC mandates strict transport rules |
| NM | 24/7 HD surveillance; 30-day retention; coverage of all areas incl. transport zones | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm systems | Secure server storage; encrypted data; audit logs | Adult-use legalized in 2021; strong compliance rules |
| NV | 24/7 coverage; 30-day retention; tiered specs by facility area | Biometric or badge access; alarm systems; visitor logs | Cybersecurity protocols; GPS tracking for transport; encrypted data required | Tiered security based on license type |
| NY | 24/7 HD surveillance; 60-day retention; coverage of all areas incl. storage | Biometric or badge access; logs for all entries | Data encryption; cybersecurity plan required; cloud storage allowed with safeguards | Separate rules for medical vs. adult-use facilities1 |
| OH | 24/7 surveillance; 45-day retention; coverage of all ingress/egress points | Controlled access to restricted areas; visitor logs | Secure local storage; encrypted backups; audit trails | Medical-only market; adult-use pending implementation |
| OK | Medical cannabis only; 24/7 surveillance; 90-day retention | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm integration | Secure server storage; encrypted backups; audit logs | One of the largest medical markets; strict compliance rules |
| OR | 24/7 HD surveillance; 90-day retention; resolution minimums (1280×720) | Badge or biometric access; alarm integration | Secure server storage; encrypted backups; remote access allowed with safeguards | Detailed tech specs per facility type |
| PA | 24/7 coverage; retention per current DOH rule; extended retention if footage is tied to an investigation; HD resolution; real-time monitoring required | Restricted access zones; badge system; visitor logs | Secure servers; audit trails; remote access prohibited; encryption required | Among strictest retention policies in the U.S. |
| RI | 24/7 surveillance; 60-day retention; coverage of all activity zones | Controlled access to grow and vault areas; visitor logs | Secure local storage; encryption required; audit logs | Adult-use legalized in 2022; medical rules still apply |
| SC | No legal cannabis program | N/A | N/A | Legislative efforts ongoing; not yet legalized |
| SD | Medical cannabis only; 24/7 surveillance; 60-day retention | Controlled access to grow and vault areas; visitor logs | Secure local storage; encryption required; remote access prohibited | Adult-use repealed; medical-only market |
| TN | No legal cannabis program | N/A | N/A | CBD-only laws; no medical or recreational cannabis |
| TX | Low-THC medical program under Texas DPS Compassionate Use Program (CUP); 24/7 surveillance; 90-day retention | Restricted access to cultivation/processing/storage; metal security doors with secure locks; areas kept closed & locked; signage restricting access to DPS-registered individuals; visitor badging + continuous escort; visitor log; alarm system with door switches, motion sensors, fire/smoke detection and ability to alert law enforcement; post-cultivation storage in safe/metal container | N/A | Use CURT (state registry) for dispensing verification; maintain trip plans & transport logs for every delivery and close out on return; report inventory discrepancy/loss/theft or fire to DPS within 2 days; align POS to capture required patient/guardian ID at point of dispense. |
| UT | Medical cannabis only; 24/7 surveillance; 45-day retention | Controlled access to production and dispensing areas; visitor logs | Secure local storage; encryption required; remote access prohibited | Medical-only market; strict pharmacy rules |
| VA | Medical cannabis only; 24/7 surveillance; 60-day retention | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm integration | Secure server storage; encrypted backups; audit logs | Adult-use legalization repealed; medical-only market |
| VT | 24/7 surveillance; 90-day retention; coverage of all activity zones | Badge system; restricted access zones; alarm systems | Secure server storage; encrypted data; remote access prohibited | Adult-use legalized in 2022; strict retail rules |
| WA | 24/7 coverage; 45-day retention; frame rate requirements; real-time access for LCB | Controlled access to restricted areas; visitor logs | Integrated systems: cybersecurity plan recommended | Recreational-only market; strict camera specs |
| WI | No legal cannabis program | N/A | N/A | CBD-only laws; no medical or recreational cannabis |
| WV | Medical cannabis only; 24/7 surveillance; 30-day retention | Controlled access to production areas; visitor logs | Secure local storage; encryption required; audit logs | Limited dispensary footprint |
| WY | No legal cannabis program | N/A | N/A | CBD-only laws; no medical or recreational cannabis |
