Cannabis-infused beverages are one of the fastest-growing segments in the cannabis industry, offering an alternative, discreet, and often low-dose way to experience THC. This increased popularity along with the emergence of on-site consumption lounges, presents new challenges and potential liabilities for business owners. To better understand these exposures, it helps to draw a parallel between Liquor Liability in alcohol-serving establishments and the evolving concept of Marijuana Liability in cannabis-serving establishments.
Parallels to Liquor Liability
- Overserving & Impairment
- Liquor Liability: Bars can be held accountable if an intoxicated guest causes harm after being served while visibly intoxicated.
- Marijuana Liability: Cannabis lounges likewise can be held accountable if an intoxicated guest causes harm after being served while visibly intoxicated.
- Regulatory Compliance
- Liquor Liability: Age verification and licensing rules are strictly enforced in alcohol-serving venues.
- Marijuana Liability: State-by-state regulations for cannabis are rapidly changing, with strict age requirements, potency restrictions, and labeling mandates.
- Employee Training
- Liquor Liability: Bartenders undergo responsible serving training.
- Marijuana Liability: Staff must be trained to identify signs of visible intoxication by alcohol or other cannabis, or drug related ingestion, and understand product potency to be able communicate dosage levels to consumers.
Conifer Insurance Services: Specialized Coverage for Cannabis Businesses
For decades, Conifer has been a recognized leader in Liquor Liability coverage—serving bars, taverns, and other hospitality establishments nationwide. Our deep experience with the regulatory and operational challenges of the alcohol industry has uniquely positioned us to understand and anticipate the evolving risks of the cannabis sector. We entered the cannabis market with the view that, much like alcohol, cannabis would eventually move toward a model involving onsite consumption, hospitality-focused settings, and specialized regulatory frameworks.
With these insights, Conifer Insurance Services has developed innovative insurance solutions tailored specifically to the unique needs of cannabis businesses, including those offering onsite consumption or dealing with infused beverages. Our comprehensive policies can include:
- Product Liability: This covers basic risks like customer injuries, property damage, and lawsuits.
- General Liability: This protects you if someone gets sick or injured from your products.
- Marijuana Liability: To address the specific exposures of serving cannabis beverages
By partnering with Conifer Insurance Services, you gain a knowledgeable team at the forefront of regulatory changes and market trends. We stand ready to design custom coverage so you can focus on delivering safe, enjoyable cannabis beverage experiences—protecting your business now and into the future.