Cannabis Retailers Insurance in Minnesota
The cannabis industry continues to expand as more states legalize the recreational and medical use of cannabis. As the market increases, insurance offerings tailored to the industry have appeared.
While cannabis dispensaries and retailers need the same basic coverage as any other business that sells a product or service, they also face a unique set of risks brought on by the nature of their product. In response to this, policies are being developed to address exposures that are not covered by more standardized commercial insurance policies.
Sebrite Agency, Inc. is here to help cannabis retailers navigate these exposures and secure a policy that’s tailored to their needs. Call us at or request 800.366.6466 your free insurance quote online today.
What Unique Coverage Do I Need?
Cannabis retailers are similar to other businesses and can benefit from many core insurance policies, including:
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Property Insurance:This coverage will insure your company assets — such as buildings, stock, inventory, equipment and furnishings.
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Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance: Your mistakes might cause property damage or bodily harm to others, such as your customers. When these accidents occur, your policy can help you compensate that party if they sue you for their losses.
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Business Interruption Insurance: If an unexpected accident forces you to halt operations temporarily, then this coverage can help you pay overhead expenses until you reopen.
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Commercial Auto Insurance: When the company owns vehicles, this coverage will provide the requisite physical damage, liability and other benefits to help the company afford the costs of wrecks or other vehicle hazards.
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Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If an employee gets hurt on the job, they are often eligible for workers compensation coverage. It will supply supplementary income during their recovery.
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Errors & Omissions Insurance: Professional advice or mistakes could cause clients a financial loss. This coverage can compensate them on behalf of the business.
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Surety Bonds: If you are contractually bound to certain clients, then bonds will guarantee them that you will repay them if you cannot meet your obligations.
Beyond these coverages, cannabis retailers must consider specialty products, such as crop protection, product liability and raid coverage.
Crop Protection
Some retailers may grow their own cannabis, making crop insurance a necessity. Crop insurance can protect against potential damage or disruption that could occur during the production cycle. Depending on the policy, some or all stages of the growth cycle are covered. These include:
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Living Plant Material: Plants in any stage of growth, from seed to point-of-harvest.
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Harvested Plant Material: Mature, harvested plants that are not yet ready for sale.
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Finished Stock: Mature, harvested plants that have been processed and are ready for sale.
Policies vary on the limits of coverage, but most do not protect against losses caused by the inabilities of growers to properly cultivate cannabis or seizure or damage resulting from the actions of a government agency.
Most policies will require an inspection of the growing facilities to identify any potential hazards that could increase the chance for a loss. It is also common for policies to require that a there be an operating security system installed at the facility.
Product Liability
No matter how rare the occurrence, there is always the possibility that someone could become ill from ingesting an edible cannabis product they purchased from you. This could result in them taking legal action against you
Product liability coverage will protect you from damages and legal fees in the event that one of your products causes harm to its user. Product liability cover usually requires the manufacturer of such products to comply with all state health codes involving food production and may also require some additional contingencies to ensure a quality product is offered to the customer.
Raid Coverage
Even in states where cannabis is legal, individual counties or cities can have their own regulations in place. In many areas, the right to distribute cannabis stands on shaky legal ground that can create an unsure future for dispensary owners.
Because of this complicated legal situation, it is not out of the question for city or state agencies to raid dispensaries or growing facilities even when their owners are operating within the constraints of the law. Raids can be a major disruption to your regular business operations as they can involve property damage, seizure of product and equipment, and even the possible arrest of you or your employees.
Raid coverage is offered at a state level for those states where cannabis is legal. It helps owners recoup their losses, including any related legal fees, after a raid as long as the charges against them are dropped or if they are acquitted or found not guilty. The policy does not activate if the policyholder is found guilty of any of the crimes that prompted the raid.
Policies cannot cover damages caused by federal raids—from agencies such as the DEA—as cannabis, for medical use or otherwise, is still considered illegal on a federal level.
Count On the Experts
Specialized insurance coverage for the unique risks faced by dispensaries and retailers are still new to the market. The experts at Sebrite Agency, Inc. are here to educate you on your options and guide you through the process. We can help make sure that the coverage you receive is the best fit for your operation.
Call us today at 800.366.6466 to learn how we can help you protect every facet of your business.
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