Security has Gone to Pot: An Analysis of Marijuana Cultivation Security Laws and Regulations in the United States

Abstract Using the principle of defense in depth and Routine Activities Theory, and a qualitative methodology that led to the construction of themes and subthemes, it was found that the most common security requirements are related to detection-based elements that include camera-related and CCTV systems. Security requirements related to deterrence, delay, and response elements, while present in many states, are required to a lesser degree. These findings, therefore, suggest that not all state regulations and subsequent security policies have a comprehensive defense in depth strategy for the physical protection of commercial marijuana cultivation facilities.