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Cannabis dispensary insurance in Oregon
Each state has its own laws and regulations for cannabis business insurance. In Oregon, 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 Oregon dispensaries need?
In Oregon, cannabis businesses are regulated by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC). The OLCC does not require licensed dispensaries and other cannabis-related businesses to carry cannabis business insurance, though it may require general liability insurance in some circumstances.
Cannabis businesses might also need general liability insurance 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 Oregon 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 OR has approved cannabis for medical and recreational use, each city and county [PDF] is permitted to decide whether or not to allow cannabis businesses. For example, Crook County and Douglas County currently do not allow recreational dispensaries, but they are allowed in Portland and Eugene.
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 Oregon 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 Oregon dispensary
What are the laws and requirements for cannabis businesses in Oregon?
Although there are no cannabis business insurance requirements, there are several other requirements for running a cannabis facility in Oregon.
Perhaps most important, you need a license from the OLCC to open a dispensary or other cannabis business. To keep that license, you need to follow the OLCC's rules about selling, storing, and transporting cannabis.
For example, Oregon requires cannabis businesses to:
- Be located at least 1,000 feet away from schools
- Adhere to OR cannabis tracking regulations, which includes using Oregon's Cannabis Tracking System (CTS)
- Install a security alarm system that includes video surveillance
- Follow packaging and labeling regulations, such as using child-resistant packaging for several types of marijuana items
Be sure to read Oregon's laws and requirements to make sure your cannabis business is in full compliance.
How can I get business insurance for my Oregon dispensary?
If you run an OR 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.
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Updated: February 7, 2024
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