Cannabis Business Insurance: A Breakdown
With 40 states and the District of Columbia legalizing medical cannabis, more entrepreneurs are focusing on the lucrative cannabis market in the US.
Through the past years, cannabis businesses have faced as many risks as any other sector. From cyber attacks to vandalism and thefts, cannabis companies are prone to various challenges all while the regulatory landscape keeps evolving continuously.
However, statistics show that half of Americans have tried cannabis, and the cannabis industry is expected to reach a whopping $40 billion by 2024. This is why it’s safe to say that while the risks are high, the profit margin still attracts many.
This article provides insights into coverage needs and options for cannabis businesses navigating through the emerging industry in 2024.
Types of Insurance Coverage for Cannabis Businesses
As a cannabis business owner, it’s pivotal to protect your investments and assets. These are the most used cannabis business insurance plans:
General Liability Insurance – protects your business against claims of property damage, bodily injury, and personal injury.
Product Liability Insurance – covers your business if a customer claims that your product caused them harm or injury.
Crop Insurance – specifically designed for cannabis growers. It covers losses resulting from damaged crops due to weather, natural disasters, etc.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – mandatory in most states if you have employees. It covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee gets injured or becomes ill while working.
Cyber Liability Insurance – covers your business in case of a cyber attack, data breach, or other cyber-related incidents.
Note: that 95% of the cannabis industry’s cyberattacks result from human error, so ensure adequate staff training along with comprehensive insurance plans.
Directors and Officers Insurance – protects your company’s directors and officers from legal actions taken against them for their actions or decisions.
5 Factors Affecting Insurance Needs
Every cannabis business is unique: your business has its own set of risks and insurance needs.
Here are five factors that can affect insurance needs for different businesses in the cannabis industry:
1. Type of Cannabis Business
Whether you’re associated with cultivation, manufacturing, or retail, can significantly impact the insurance needs of the business.
For example, a cannabis cultivation business may need crop insurance, while a retail business may require liability insurance to protect against product liability claims.
2. Size and Scale of Operations
Larger businesses may require higher coverage limits to protect against potential losses, while smaller businesses may require less coverage.
3. Location
Businesses operating in areas with higher crime rates or natural disaster risks may need additional coverage to protect against these risks or find their coverage plans to be more costly than businesses in a comparatively safer location.
4. Compliance With Regulations
Cannabis businesses are subject to a variety of regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. Compliance with these regulations is essential for businesses to operate legally and avoid potential fines or legal action.
Compliance requirements can also impact insurance needs, as some insurance policies may require certain compliance standards to be met.
5. Risk Management Practices
Your business’ risk management practices also impact your insurance needs. Businesses with strong risk management practices may require less insurance coverage, while those with weaker risk management practices may require more coverage to protect against potential losses.
The best way to check if your risk management strategy is good enough is to get an external consultant to review it and suggest how you can minimize loopholes.
9 Tips for Selecting Cannabis Business Insurance
When you’re looking for the best insurance coverage, keep these practical tips in mind:
1. Understand Your Business Needs
Asses your cannabis business’s unique risks and requirements. Different segments of the cannabis industry have distinct insurance needs; what works for one might not work for another!
2. Work with Specialists
Seek insurance companies and brokers experienced in the cannabis industry so they can tailor coverage to suit your specific needs.
3. Reputation and Financial Stability
Choose insurance providers with a strong reputation and financial stability. Check their ratings from independent agencies and ask around for referrals.
4. Policy Exclusions and Limits
Thoroughly review your policy exclusions and limits. Ensure you understand what is covered and what is not, along with any limitations on coverage amounts. You can hire an external consultant/advisor to review a policy before buying it.
5. Claims Process and Customer Service
Ask about the insurer’s claims process and customer service reputation, as it makes a significant difference during stressful situations.
6. Risk Management Services
Look for insurers that offer risk management services and resources tailored to the cannabis industry.
7. Consider Bundling Policies
Bundling multiple insurance policies with the same provider can often lead to cost savings and enhance your coverage.
8. Compare Quotes
Obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers to compare coverage options and pricing. However, don’t just focus on cost; consider the value provided by each policy.
9. Seek Recommendations
Ask other cannabis business owners for recommendations and consider insights into their insurance experiences. Word-of-mouth is often a great source of information.
The Bottomline
The emerging cannabis industry offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, but it also comes with unique risks and challenges. Cannabis businesses must be aware of the various types of insurance coverage available and choose the right one for their specific needs. With the right insurance coverage and risk management practices, you can thrive in this rapidly growing industry.
Contact Apharoot to discover the right plan for you.