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Marijuana retailers are part of a small community. They have regular and sometimes unusual customers. The
industry is presenting opportunities for
companies to provide support to marijuana
businesses. From banking to transportation, there are significant challenges for this
new and controversial business sector.
As an alternative to opioid misuse and
abuse, this sector is growing, quite literally. Like all businesses, there are significant investments of time and resources
required. With that comes the need to
protect that investment with insurance
policies tailored to fit the customer’s need.
Insuring marijuana risks
From the acceptance of risk by insurance
companies and written policies come the
natural potential for subsequent claims.
These businesses are susceptible to claims
to their buildings and their inventory.
They will also be likely targets for claims
for liability to others arising out of their
normal operations. Claims professionals
must be prepared to assess risks and ex-
posures and address these unique insur-
ance customer needs.
In a recent exposure for a legalized marijuana retailer, a customer presented a complaint to a store manager about a product
he purchased at the establishment. The
customer was dissatisfied with the product.
The manager attempted to address the concern and provide alternatives.
The customer remained dissatisfied
and continued to become more agitated.
The manager kept a calm demeanor and
politely asked the customer to leave.
When the customer chose not to leave,
the manager threatened to call the police.
At that point, another customer
stepped in. This customer verbally engaged the troubled customer, eventually
convincing him to go outside. Once outside, words continued to be exchanged.
A store employee was nearby and wit-
nessed the exchange between the angry
customer and the regular customer. In
full view of the surveillance camera, the
angry customer threw a punch at the reg-
ular customer. The police arrived shortly
after and the altercation was contained.
Keys to investigating
cannabis claims
Thankfully, claims adjusters are prepared
to get out in the field to investigate these
exposures. With good reason, this insurer
outsourced the investigation to an independent insurance adjuster to investigate
the reported liability exposure.
Hire an independent adjuster for field
investigation. Local experienced independent adjusters are a wise investment
for a good field investigation.
Investigate thoroughly and secure relevant evidence. Our firm had the opportunity to investigate just such a claim. This
retailer proved to have a reasonable system in place to provide a solid foundation
for the investigation.
Following an investigation of the parties and available evidence, the results
WHEN MARIJUANA
COLLIDES WITH
THE CLAIMS INDUSTRY
New enterprise brings novel challenges
BY MIKE NERODA & SUSAN DANIELS