Get free quotes for cannabis dispensaries
Save money by comparing insurance quotes from trusted carriers.
Choose from the nation's best insurance providers
Cannabis dispensary insurance in Minnesota
Each state has its own laws and regulations for cannabis business insurance. In Minnesota, cannabis is approved for both medical and adult recreational use. Dispensaries are not required to carry cannabis business insurance in order to operate legally.
What types of insurance do Minnesota dispensaries need?
In Minnesota, cannabis businesses are regulated by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The OCM does not require dispensaries to carry cannabis business insurance. However, cannabis transporters may need insurance or a bond.
All cannabis businesses should carry general liability insurance, which they might need to secure a loan, or sign a commercial lease or contract. A commercial general liability policy covers the most common risks of owning a small business, such as lawsuits from customers who suffer an injury or property damage at your shop.
To comply with Minnesota law, your business needs to carry workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees. And, if you have any business-owned vehicles, state law requires that you carry commercial auto insurance.
Keep in mind that although MN has approved cannabis for medical and recreational use, each city and town is permitted to decide whether or not to allow cannabis businesses.
For example, the town of Mankato currently does not allow dispensaries. And MN's Native American tribal nations are sovereign meaning they can operate independently from state laws and regulations. This includes not waiting for a state license to open a dispensary.
You’ll need to research your state, county, and city laws to make sure your dispensary or other cannabis business is obeying the rules.
What other types of business insurance do I need for my cannabis dispensary?
While there are no cannabis business insurance requirements in Minnesota for running a dispensary, it's still a good idea to get coverage to keep your business protected. Dispensary owners should also consider the following policies:
- Product liability insurance covers legal costs if a customer sues over harm caused by a product sold at your dispensary, such as an adverse reaction to an edible. It’s often included in general liability insurance.
- Commercial property insurance helps pay for lost, damaged, or destroyed business property. For example, it can cover the cost of replacing stolen inventory or renovating a marijuana dispensary’s building after a fire.
- Property policies can include business interruption insurance, which covers costs when a fire or other covered property claim forces your business to close temporarily.
- Additionally, you may need inland marine insurance to protect property in transit or stored off-site, as property insurance only covers items at your business location.
While these are a top priority for cannabis sellers, they aren’t the only policies you need to run a business. You can always call our dedicated agent at (872) 260-5150 if you’re unsure which policies you need.
Get business insurance quotes for your Minnesota dispensary
What are the laws and requirements for cannabis businesses in Minnesota?
Although there are no cannabis business insurance requirements, there are several other requirements for running a cannabis facility in Minnesota.
Perhaps most important, you need a license from the OCM to open a dispensary or other cannabis business. Applications for licenses are expected to be available in early 2025. To keep that license, you need to follow the OCM's rules about selling, storing, and transporting cannabis.
For example, Minnesota requires cannabis businesses to:
- Employ individuals who are 21 or older
- Adhere to MN cannabis tracking regulations, which includes using the statewide monitoring system for integrated cannabis tracking
- Install a security alarm system that includes video surveillance
- Maintain a ventilation and filtration system sufficient to meet the state's requirements for odor control
Be sure to read Minnesota's laws and requirements to make sure your cannabis business is in full compliance.
How can I get business insurance for my Minnesota dispensary?
If you run an MN dispensary, you can complete Insureon’s easy online application to get quotes from top U.S. carriers. For other cannabis businesses, you can call our dedicated agent at (872) 260-5150 to get insurance quotes for your business. Once you find a policy that fits your needs, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.
Verified business insurance reviews
Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.
Updated: December 20, 2023
EXPLORE ON INSUREON
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
