What You Need to Know About Workers’ Comp in the Cannabis Industry

Since Vermont became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2018, several more states have followed suit, and the result is a booming industry raking in over $1 billion in annual revenue in the U.S. alone. The backbone of this industry is its workers. Like any other agricultural job, workers in the cannabis industry often work long work hours, sustain strenuous physical labor, and do physically repetitive work. Though cannabis has been widely legalized, though, a stigma remains, and this stigma has thwarted farm owners from adequately protecting their company and staff through workers’ comp insurance.

Injuries May Be More Common in Cannabis-Related Jobs

Training workers on safety is more imperative than ever for cannabis professionals. It is a simple fact that some jobs are more dangerous than others, and the cannabis field may need to amp up safety precautions across the industry. It is unclear whether there is a higher than average injury rate in the industry, but it is apparent that injuries are a constant threat, and when that threat becomes real, you have to deal with workers’ comp claims. There are a number of risks that workers face in the marijuana industry, including the following:

• Slipping or tripping and falling
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Exposure to mold, pesticides, and other toxins
• Interactions between water and electricity

These are just a few of the common risk factors facing workers in the cannabis field. Injuries of this nature may be eligible for workers’ comp claims and benefits. Though injuries such as these can often be easily prevented, a lack of safety training and a focus on product rather than prudence can lead to expensive workers compensation settlements. Workers comp is a type of insurance that offers wage replacement and coverage for necessary medical care following a work-related injury on the job. This compensation is offered in exchange for the surrender of any legal right to sue the employer responsible for the injury.

CannGen Can Help Protect Your Staff and Company

CannGen specializes in insuring cannabis retail and agriculture businesses with workers comp coverage. CannGen offers a range of policy levels and additional support resources for producers. Headquartered in San Diego, we take pride in helping producers like you keep their company and staff safe through workers comp coverage. The cannabis industry is not exempt from state requirements for workers comp insurance, but some insurers are hesitant to cover cannabis producers due to federal regulations that contradict state-specific legality. We understand the difficulty producers often face maintaining compliance, but with CannGen on your side, you can be sure you’re covered.

About CannGen

For more information about our comprehensive insurance solutions for the cannabis, CBD, and hemp industries, please visit our website at www.canngenins.com or email marketing@canngenins.com.