For all your Cannabis-related business ventures, protect yourself from unforeseen liabilities with specialized insurance. From small local dispensaries to large production facilities - don't let the risks cloud the vision of your business.
Canada established the legalization of the possession, use, and cultivation of cannabis for recreational purposes in 2018. The production and sale of cannabis for medical purposes has been legal in Canada since 2001.
The cannabis industry in Canada has experienced significant growth since legalization, with a number of licensed producers operating in the country and a range of cannabis-based products being made available to consumers. These products include dried cannabis, cannabis oil, and a variety of cannabis-infused edibles, such as chocolates, gummies, and baked goods.
There are also a number of businesses that provide services related to the cannabis industry, such as consulting firms, legal services, and testing labs.
In 2021, sales reached 5.29 billion CAD, more than triple sales in 2019, the first full year of the legal recreational market. By 2026, the legal cannabis market in Canada is expected to double and exceed ten billion dollars in value.
Enter the dynamic cannabis industry with confidence. Protect your business from unexpected risks - such as third-party injuries, malfunctioning equipment and product recalls - through tailored insurance plans designed to meet all of your legal requirements. Secure success in this booming market by ensuring that you have an insurance broker ready to grow with you.
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Cannabis insurance is a type of insurance coverage that is specifically designed for businesses in the cannabis industry. This can include coverage for the cultivation, production, distribution, and retail sale of cannabis and related products.
Cannabis insurance typically includes coverage for risks such as property damage, liability, and business interruption. It may also include coverage for product liability, which protects against claims arising from injuries or damages caused by the use of cannabis products.
Cannabis insurance is important for businesses in the cannabis industry because these businesses face a unique set of challenges and risks.
All licensed businesses in the cannabis industry in Canada require insurance to protect themselves from potential lawsuits, including:
Cultivators and harvesting
Manufacturers
Retail and Wholesale dispensary
Micro and craft growers
Distributors and Wholesalers
Consultants working in the cannabis industry
Every cannabis industry-related business is unique, and your coverage requirements will vary based on your specific operations. Let our experts help craft a custom tailored policy as unique as your business.
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right cannabis insurance coverage for your business:Assess your needs: Consider the types of risks your business may face and the potential impact of those risks on your business. This will help you determine the types of coverage you need.
Research insurance providers: Look for insurance providers that specialize in cannabis insurance and have a track record of working with businesses in the industry. Consider factors such as the provider's reputation, financial stability, and the coverage options they offer.
Compare quotes: Work with your broker to get quotes from multiple insurance providers and compare the coverage options and costs. Look for policies that provide the coverage you need at a price that is affordable for your business.
There are several risks associated with not having insurance coverage for cannabis-related businesses. These risks include:
Financial loss: If your cannabis business is involved in an accident, lawsuit, or other unexpected event, you may be held financially responsible for any damages or losses that occur. Without insurance, you may have to pay these costs out of pocket, which could be financially devastating.
Legal liability: Cannabis businesses are subject to a wide range of laws and regulations, and noncompliance can result in significant legal and financial penalties. Insurance coverage can help protect you against these risks and provide access to legal resources if you are sued or face regulatory actions.
Reputation damage: A negative event, such as a product recall or a lawsuit, can damage the reputation of your business. Insurance coverage can help protect your reputation by providing resources to manage these types of situations and minimize the impact on your business.
Business interruption: If your cannabis business is forced to close or suspend operations due to a covered event, insurance coverage can help protect against lost income and other financial losses.
If you want to work with a commercial insurance brokerage that puts people first and values transparency, sustainability, ownership, and impact, then Summit is the right choice for your business insurance needs.
At Summit, we craft innovative insurance solutions that are custom tailored to your business, giving you the confidence you need to succeed. Our team is dedicated to building trust and creating value through open and honest communication. We are in it for the long haul and strive to make a positive impact in everything we do.
So if you want a business insurance partner that shares your values and is committed to helping you succeed, consider working with Summit.
Cannabis insurance coverage can include several types of coverages to form a complete package policy, including:
Commercial General Liability: Commercial general liability insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for businesses against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury. CGL also typically includes product liability insurance, which is vital for cannabis businesses, as it covers you for any third-party lawsuit or allegation arising from the products you grow, manufacture, distribute, or sell.
Commercial Property Insurance: If you own a retail store, office, warehouse, production facility, storage facility or greenhouse related to your cannabis business, you need to protect your physical property, the contents, equipment and machinery inside. In the event of damage or loss related to severe weather, a natural disaster, fire, theft, or vandalism Commercial Property insurance will protect your most valuable assets. Commercial property insurance can also include:
Stock inventory coverage provides financial protection for seeds, plants, and finished stock.
Business interruption insurance: Business interruption insurance can help cannabis businesses recover some of their losses in the event of a disruption or shutdown due to these risks. This type of coverage can provide financial assistance for lost income, extra expenses associated with getting the facility back up and running quickly, and other related costs, keeping your business afloat while you recover.
Equipment Breakdown Insurance: For cultivators, growers, and producers machinery is at the heart of your business. Equipment Breakdown insurance ensures that if you have equipment failure that disrupts your business you will be able to get back up running and growing in no time.
Additional coverage:
Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance: E&O coverage is recommended for professional or medical cannabis consultants to protect them from claims of negligence, product failures, and media and advertising activities.
Cannabis Insurance should never be sold solely on price. You are protecting your most important asset. Our mission is to find you the perfect coverage but also find the best priced policy with that coverage.
As a business owner in the cannabis industry, you are responsible for ensuring that your operations are in compliance with regulations, as well as protecting your business against potential risks. Cannabis insurance is a type of insurance that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of businesses in the cannabis industry.
There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of insurance for a cannabis business. Some of the most significant factors include:Type of coverage: The type of coverage you need will impact the cost of your insurance. For example, a policy with more comprehensive coverage may be more expensive than one with more limited coverage.Size and scope of your business: The larger and more complex your business is, the more expensive your insurance is likely to be. This is because there is a greater risk of something going wrong and a larger potential for losses.Location of your business: The location of your cannabis business can also affect the cost of insurance. Businesses in areas with a higher risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes or hurricanes, may pay more for insurance.Risk management practices: Implementing effective risk management practices, such as implementing security measures and training employees, can help reduce the risk of losses and may result in lower insurance premiums.Industry experience: Insurance carriers may consider the experience and track record of a business when determining the cost of insurance. Businesses with a history of successful operations and a strong reputation in the industry may be seen as lower risk and may receive more favorable rates.
In Canada, there are several myths and misconceptions about cannabis insurance:
Myth: Cannabis insurance is not necessary because marijuana is legal in Canada.
Fact: While marijuana is legal at the federal level in Canada, businesses in the cannabis industry still face a range of risks and liabilities. These can include property damage, liability, business interruption, and product liability. As such, it is important for these businesses to have insurance coverage to protect against these potential risks.
Myth: Cannabis insurance is too expensive.
Fact: While cannabis insurance can be more expensive than other types of insurance, it is important to consider the potential costs of not having coverage. In the event of a claim, the costs of defending against a lawsuit or paying out damages can be significant and potentially devastating to a business. By obtaining adequate insurance coverage, businesses can protect themselves against these potential costs.
Myth: All cannabis insurance policies are the same.
Fact: Cannabis insurance policies can vary widely in terms of the types of coverage they offer and the exclusions they include. It is important to carefully review the terms of any policy you are considering and make sure it meets the specific needs of your business.
If you are a licensed cannabis cultivator or operate a legal cannabis business in Canada, it is possible to purchase insurance coverage for your cannabis plants through a specialty insurance company that offers coverage for cannabis-related businesses.
There are several reasons why few insurance companies may offer coverage to cannabis companies in Canada:
Limited history: The cannabis industry is relatively new, and there is a lack of data on the risks and losses associated with cannabis cultivation and sales. This makes it difficult for insurance companies to accurately assess and price the risks of insuring cannabis businesses.
Limited availability of reinsurance: Reinsurance is insurance that insurance companies purchase to protect themselves against large losses. The availability of reinsurance for cannabis businesses may be limited, which may make it difficult for insurance companies to offer coverage to cannabis businesses.
Stigma: Despite the legal status of cannabis in Canada, there may still be a stigma surrounding the use and sale of cannabis, which may make it difficult for insurance companies to offer coverage to cannabis businesses.
Limited number of specialty insurance companies: There are a limited number of specialty insurance companies that offer coverage to cannabis businesses in Canada, which may make it difficult for cannabis businesses to find coverage if they are working with a broker who does not have access to these companies.