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Need Increases For Guards At Colorado Pot Shops

By Jennifer Brice

(CBS4) - It's no secret that the legal marijuana industry is primarily a cash related business. With that comes the need for companies that are in the business of making money by protecting money.

"What we're seeing is a growth in protecting cash," said Ricky Bennett of Blue Line Protection Group.

Ricky Bennett
Ricky Bennett (credit: CBS)

Bennett is also a former law enforcement officer. Blue Line is a security and transportation company that also focuses on helping marijuana businesses stay compliant.

Bennett says more than half of their clientele are now in the marijuana business and they need to hire more security guards.

"Our industry is expanding rather quickly," said Bennett.

Blue Line held a cannabis security job fair on Monday. They are looking to hire 30 to 40 people. The company says they've seen an increase in crime related to the marijuana industry.

Blue Line Protection Group
Employees with the Blue Line Protection Group (credit: CBS)

Many pot grow operations and retail shops need the protection.

Protecting the cannabis industry is high risk.

RELATED STORIES: Marijuana Legalization Story Archive

Recently, a gunman shot security guard Travis Mason to death at an Aurora dispensary. Thieves tried to rob the store in the process but got away with nothing.

Mason's wife, Samantha, spoke with CBS4 last month about the loss of her husband.

"I want those people to be found and I want them to be punished for what they did," she said.

Mason did not work for Blue Line, but Bennett says the need for protection is becoming prevalent because the marijuana industry continues to grow.

Ricky Bennett
Ricky Bennett (credit: CBS)

"Particularly those that are legitimate and are running very well are saying 'I don't have time to look at these issues like security or transport of cash or (transport of) my product. I want to focus on my business,'" he said.

Blue Line says a majority of their staff have a background in law enforcement and/or the military.

Jennifer Brice is a reporter with CBS4 focusing on crime and courts. Follow her on Facebook or on Twitter @CBS4Jenn.

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