The word from the USA, where a new insurance solution for cannabis growers has been launched;
Conifer Insurance Services (“Conifer”), a pioneer in cannabis insurance solutions, in partnership with Skyward Specialty Insurance GroupTM (“Skyward Specialty”), a leader in the specialty property and casualty market, announced the launch of its new Cannabis Select program, a high-capacity insurance solution built for the evolving needs of multi-state operators (MSOs) and larger cannabis businesses nationwide. Designed to complement Conifer’s long-standing Cannabis Essentials program, Cannabis Select offers elevated coverage limits, expanded property protection, and advanced risk management solutions to support the industry’s continued growth.
Conifer has served the cannabis industry for over a decade, standing apart through its commitment to responsive service, speed to market, and experience in underwriting. Since Bishop Street Underwriters’ acquisition of Conifer Insurance Services in 2024, significant investments have been made in underwriting talent and AI-driven insights to scale solutions for agency partners and cannabis businesses at every stage of growth.
“As the cannabis industry matures, our agency partners have consistently shared the need for higher limits and greater capacity,” said Nick Petcoff, CEO of Conifer Insurance Services. “Cannabis Select is a direct response to that need, building on our long track record of success while maintaining the service-first, flexible approach that has always defined Conifer.”
Skyward Specialty President, Captives & Specialty Programs Corey LaFlamme commented, “The partnership with Conifer is a powerful example of Skyward Specialty’s “rule our niche” strategy in action, where we provide high-impact, tailored solutions to highly niche markets.”
The addition of the Cannabis Select program expands the breadth of cannabis offerings Conifer provides this market. Its existing Cannabis Essentials program remains a trusted solution for businesses earlier in their journey, delivering affordable, accessible coverage to dispensaries, smaller grows and localized operations. The new Cannabis Select program offers high-limit, specialty coverage for retail dispensaries, cultivators and manufacturers operating at scale.
Conifer now provides two tailored program options:
|
Feature |
Cannabis Essentials |
Cannabis Select |
|
Ideal For |
Small-to-midsize growers, dispensaries, etc. |
Multi-State Operators, large cultivators, manufacturers |
|
Focus |
Affordability, scalability, accessibility |
High limits, sophisticated risk management |
|
Coverage Limits |
Up to $5M Property, $1M/$2M GL & Product Liability |
Up to $25M Property, $5M/$5M GL & Product Liability |
|
Carrier Rating |
AM Best A-X (Excellent) |
AM Best A-X (Excellent) |
|
Program Type |
Admitted and Non-Admitted (state dependent) |
Non-Admitted |
|
Availability |
Nationwide (where legal) |
Nationwide (where legal) |
Leadership with Deep Expertise
The expansion of Conifer’s cannabis practice is being led by Kathleen Brown-Hurtado, president of Cannabis Specialty Programs, who brings extensive leadership experience and strategic vision to the team. Kathleen is joined by Jason Scheurle, vice president of Cannabis Specialty Programs, adding further industry expertise to support program growth and agency partner success.
“As cannabis businesses scale, their insurance needs grow more complex.” said Brown-Hurtado, “Cannabis Select delivers the higher limits and specialized protections larger operations demand, while Cannabis Essentials ensures we remain the go-to partner for startups and growth-stage businesses alike.”
