Surge in break-ins, robberies causes marijuana dispensaries to tighten security

LANSING — After significant surges in dispensary break-ins and robberies around Michigan, cannabis businesses are adopting stricter security measures.

Since Michigan legalized weed for recreational use in 2018 and the first dispensary opened in early 2019, the state has had frequent, sudden increases in break-ins, according to Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley.

“There have been record numbers of break-ins all over, and when these robberies happen, they happen in a surge with multiple break-ins all around the state, and then it will be quiet for months,” Hinkley said.

The largest number have occurred in Southeast Michigan.

According to an April 2025 report published by the Detroit Metro Times, there have been at least 75 recorded break-ins since January 2024 in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, although the publication said the actual number is probably higher.

It also reported that there were at least 22 dispensary burglaries, 16 of which were in Metro Detroit, in the first three months of 2025.

Elsewhere in the state, for example, local media reported that Noxx Cannabis in Grand Rapids was the target of an armed robbery last November.

In Battle Creek, four suspects were charged last January with breaking into Potter’s Cannabis Boutique, news reports said, and in Monroe, two suspects were arrested last July on charges of breaking and entering at a local dispensary.

Hinkley said that one reason for the spate of break-ins is that many thieves steal large amounts of product, resell it at a lower-than-retail price and then make their next heist.

“The robberies are rarely cash-grabs,” Hinkley said, “The amount of product that they’re stealing gives us indication that they’re not stealing for personal use.”

Methods used in these crimes can range, however. Like many retail robberies, perpetrators are often armed, according to Hinkley.

Because of the use of force, many dispensaries use high-security systems.

“We have panic buttons located throughout the store,” said Flora Cannabis Co. employee Angie Seranian. “They set off a silent alarm that alerts the police, and a loud alarm sounds throughout the building.”

Located in Lansing, the dispensary has a locked door system that opens when reception presses a button. Like many retail stores, when the shop is robbed, the employees are “trained to comply 100%,” Seranian said.

Green Acres Cannabis in Detroit has recently updated its locked door codes and outdoor security system.

“The front door is always locked, and we have a remote opener for an impenetrable gate outside that we can open from inside when customers come up,” said budtender Jada Tipton.

The executive director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Ronald Wiles, said law enforcement agencies across the state actively investigate the crimes as they occur.

“We’re working with the industry on prevention strategies, including improved security measures,” said Wiles. “The goal is to protect employees, customers, and the surrounding community while holding those responsible accountable.”