Licensed operators, specialty markets.
Coverage for state-licensed cannabis businesses: retailers and dispensaries, cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, testing labs and delivery services.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Most standard carriers won't write it
Because cannabis remains illegal federally, most admitted insurers exclude it, and many general policies exclude cannabis-related claims outright. Licensed businesses are placed with specialty and surplus lines carriers that write the industry.
Landlords, the state license and local permits often set insurance requirements. Product liability matters for anyone who makes, packages or sells products, and property coverage has to account for inventory, equipment and security. I place cannabis coverage based on your license type, operations and location.
- General and product liabilityPremises injuries and claims tied to products you make or sell.
- Property and inventoryBuilding, equipment and stock, subject to security requirements.
- Crop coverageAvailable from some markets for cultivators.
- Workers’ compRequired once you have employees in California.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- License: state DCC license type and local permit.
- Operations: what you grow, make, sell or deliver.
- Location: address, square footage and security systems.
- Values: equipment, inventory and building (if owned).
- Revenue and staff: sales, payroll and employees.
- History: current policies and claims.
Cannabis business insurance, answered
Can a cannabis business get insurance in California?
Yes. Licensed operators are insured through specialty and surplus lines carriers that write the industry. Unlicensed operations generally can't be insured.
Does general liability cover cannabis products?
Standard policies often exclude cannabis. Cannabis-specific policies include product liability for what you make or sell.
Is workers' comp required?
Yes. California requires workers' comp for employees, cannabis businesses included.
What do underwriters rate on?
Your license type, operations, location, security, values, revenue and claims history.
Do you offer cannabis business insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me your license type. I'll shop it.
Your license, location and operations are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.