Why Are Cannabis Stores Becoming Prime Targets for Robberies?

Canadian police are seeking the public's help after a recent cannabis store robbery in Edmonton, where two men allegedly injured a store clerk before fleeing without the product they demanded. The incident, which occurred on October 20, is part of a concerning rise in cannabis store robberies across North America, underscoring the shared challenges facing the legal cannabis industry in Canada and the United States.

Around 10:45 p.m. in Edmonton’s Desrochers neighborhood, two men entered the cannabis store near Desrochers Gate SW and Daniels Way SW. When the store clerk refused the suspects’ demand for product, a struggle broke out, resulting in minor injuries for the employee. Despite surveillance and inventory regulations, the suspects fled on foot, highlighting the complexities of protecting cannabis stores from crime—a growing issue for both Canadian and U.S. dispensaries.

In both countries, the cannabis industry's high-value inventory makes it an appealing target for criminals. U.S. dispensaries, however, face additional challenges as federal restrictions prevent most cannabis businesses from accessing traditional banking services, forcing many to operate as cash-only. This lack of access to banking not only places U.S. dispensaries at higher risk of robbery but also creates security complications for employees handling large amounts of cash.

While Canadian cannabis stores generally have access to banking, both Canadian and U.S. dispensaries struggle with industry-specific regulatory limits on security protocols that can make employees vulnerable.

To deter theft, Canadian stores have implemented extensive inventory management and display restrictions, while some U.S. states, such as Colorado and California, have enacted cannabis-specific safety policies like requiring onsite security personnel and advanced surveillance systems. Still, both Canadian and American cannabis employees report rising concerns for their safety, as robberies persist despite these measures.

The rise in cannabis store theft has led advocates in both nations to push for additional protections for employees and increased access to funds for safety upgrades. Some industry experts in the U.S. have called on federal lawmakers to pass the SAFE Banking Act, which would allow cannabis businesses access to banking services, thereby reducing the risk associated with cash handling.

In Canada, meanwhile, store owners are lobbying for government-supported security grants that would fund improvements in surveillance technology, employee training, and in-store safety infrastructure.

The recent incident in Edmonton serves as a stark reminder that while legalization has brought cannabis into the mainstream, it has also exposed the industry’s employees to new risks. As legalization expands, both Canadian and U.S.

cannabis retailers will require a comprehensive approach to security that balances regulatory compliance with employee safety. Without strengthened protections, industry insiders warn that cannabis-related crime could hinder the success of the legal market and compromise the safety of both workers and customers.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the Edmonton suspects to come forward. Meanwhile, this incident underscores the urgent need for governments on both sides of the border to consider the unique security needs of legal cannabis businesses—a vital yet vulnerable sector in North America’s economy.

Are cannabis stores vulnerable to crime? Should North America increase security protections for cannabis retailers?