On August 28, Georgia-based Window Film Depot, which has offices all over the country, including New Jersey, posted on Facebook that it would be exhibiting at the cannabis convention on September 6-7. With prime booth space and a heavy social media marketing campaign promoting the event, Window Film magazine reached out to the business to find out more about their involvement with the cannabis industry.

In this Q&A, Krissy Mosby, president of Window Film Depot, discusses everything from the company’s presence at the conference to the potential stigma that comes with being associated with cannabis.

Window Film Mag (WFM): Can you tell us why Window Film Depot is exhibiting at a cannabis convention?

Krissy Mosby: Window film is often narrowly perceived as just a means of tinting glass to enhance energy efficiency. While optimizing the performance of architectural glass and achieving energy savings remains a key aspect of our work, modern window- and surface-film technology also enables us to support the commercial building sector in addressing broader challenges, including enhancing safety and security. And, when it comes to security our service extends to what is required to support school and courthouse hardening to also include retail businesses and other customer-interfacing businesses.

In recent years, organized retail crime (ORC) has become a significant challenge for retail businesses. With the legalization of hemp and Cannabidiol (CBD) products for medical use in 38 states, CBD dispensaries are facing similar threats. We chose to exhibit at the Cannabis Convention in New Jersey for the first time to address these concerns and help educate business owners on how window film solutions can combat smash-and-grab crime and safeguard interior glass displays.

WFM: Who is the customer for tinted windows in the cannabis industry? And where is the film being used in their facilities?

KM: Security window film and retrofit security glazing systems can be implemented to protect the glass doors and windows in the storefront, glass showcases and displays on the interior, and transaction windows. This is not about ‘tinting’ the glass—it’s about delayed entry protection to eliminate inventory loss and to protect employees.

WFM: Has Window Film Depot been involved in other similar events? If so, what were they like?

KM: We actively participate in over 40 trade shows and conferences each year and across various industries. We strive to educate and inform stakeholders—ranging from business owners and facility managers to school administrators and other security professionals—about the advanced window film and surface solutions available to meet today’s challenges. Challenges AND opportunities that go beyond energy efficiency—with safety and security being a huge focus.

WFM: Despite recreational cannabis being legal in almost half the country, the potential for stigma endures. How do you feel about working with an industry that might have a reputation issue?

KM: This is an important question. Our primary focus is on meeting the needs of our customers rather than passing judgment on any particular industry. Our role is to provide solutions that enhance safety, security and efficiency for all clients, as long as their operations are legal and compliant with regulatory standards. We believe in supporting businesses across various industries, regardless of any perceived reputational challenges.

WFM: Do you think there will be an increase in window tinting needs as the cannabis industry grows?   

KM: As ORC continues to escalate and as more states legalize the sale of medical CBD products, the demand for security window film and other retrofit security glazing solutions will increase accordingly.

View article by Vinnie Driscollin in Window Film Magazine