Insurance coverage can be tricky since cannabis is still illegal federally. Living in Michigan, one of the United States’ states where cannabis was legalized first medically, then recreationally, we have seen an enormous number of dispensaries pop up in the Southeast area. It is wild to see many located in other parts of the state as well, and to see billboards advertising for the legal dispensaries. I never thought I would see this in my lifetime!
Of course, the state of California was among the first states to legalize cannabis. With all of the new cannabis related businesses popping up, they were among the leading pioneers in developing liability coverage and navigating cannabis insurance claims.
Furthermore, since cannabis is illegal federally, some insurance carriers are apprehensive about honoring claims, so public adjusters have also stepped into the game.
Notably, a client of ours notes that navigating insurance claims in the cannabis industry is complex—but that they are there to simplify the process, maximize recovery, and help a business move forward. As public adjusters who work exclusively with cannabis operators, they understand the regulatory and insurance challenges others miss.
From cultivators and extractors to testing labs and dispensaries, they represent businesses across the supply chain. In fact, their team has successfully handled claims involving liabilities such as fire, mold, theft, equipment failure, contamination, and regulatory shutdowns—securing the compensation their clients deserve at every step.
The following states have legalized cannabis either medically, recreationally or both and according to Norml (The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is a social welfare organization based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for the reform of marijuana laws in the United States regarding both medical and non-medical use.) who reports that, “The following states and territories have passed laws allowing for the personal possession and consumption of cannabis by adults. Generally, this means a policy that supports a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers can buy marijuana for personal use from a safe legal source.
US States and Territories With Legalized Adult-Use Marijuana
- Alaska Legalization
- Arizona Legalization
- California Legalization
- CNMI Legalization
- Colorado Legalization
- Connecticut Legalization
- Delaware Legalization
- District of Columbia Legalization
- Guam Legalization
- Illinois Legalization
- Maine Legalization
- Maryland Legalization
- Massachusetts Legalization
- Michigan Legalization
- Minnesota Legalization
- Missouri Legalization
- Montana Legalization
- Nevada Legalization
- New Jersey Legalization
- New Mexico Legalization
- New York Legalization
- Ohio Legalization
- Oregon Legalization
- Rhode Island Legalization
- US Virgin Islands Legalization
- Vermont Legalization
- Virginia Legalization
- Washington Legalization,”.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical, legal, or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a legal or healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
(Cannabis Photo Credit: US News)
Cannabis and serotonin
Speaking from personal experience, I seek to find the healthy, organic, or homeopathic route to some of my ailments, versus using pain medication, so I am prone to serotonin withdrawal syndrome.
It is imperative that I fully disclose ALL of my medicinal solutions to my healthcare providers, including supplements, certain massage practices, essential oils, acupuncture, previous heavy cannabis use, chiropractic remedies, etc., or I am at risk of developing this potentially dangerous syndrome.
Serotonin toxicity results from medications that increase serotonin levels in the body: medications such as those for pain and antidepressants, some herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort, and some over-the-counter drugs. When taken together, they increase the risk of serotonin toxicity.
In fact, I found that taking both St. John’s Wort and Lyrica concurrently places me in a high-risk category for developing serotonin withdrawal syndrome. Furthermore, when I take Zrytek, an antihistamine, it lowers its effectiveness and increases the risk of developing chronic sinus infections.
Reports from the National Institute of Health suggest that, “The increasing availability of cannabis administration devices (e.g. ‘vapes’ and ‘dab pens’) and medicinal cannabis with high ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations may introduce novel complications of cannabis use. Cannabinoids predominantly act through the endogenous cannabinoid system, but animal studies suggest these compounds can also stimulate serotonin receptors. This is in addition to CYP450 interactions altering the metabolism of serotonergic agents. Recent cases from the United States suggest that high concentrate cannabis use can precipitate serotonin syndrome in patients taking antidepressants. We report a case, with the informed consent of the patient, that suggests recurrent induction of serotonin syndrome requiring hospitalisation in the context of cannabis use,”.
Patients with serotonin toxicity may experience other symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Shivering
- Increased heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Muscle rigidity
- Seizures
- Coma or death in severe situations
Abnormal levels of serotonin have been linked to many mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, which, coincidentally, addicts and alcoholics are prone to.
What is serotonin syndrome
Serotonin toxicity, or serotonin syndrome, is severe because it is a drug-induced medical condition occurring when there is excessive serotonin in the brain’s synapses. Symptoms of serotonin toxicity could present with the following combination of symptoms:
- Neuromuscular
- Autonomic
- Psychological
Serotonin is a vital neurotransmitter in our bodies that is integral to maintaining normal brain and nerve cell function. It is naturally produced and necessary for mood, appetite, sleep, and memory.
The Mayo Clinic defines this syndrome as, “Serotonin syndrome can occur when you increase the dose of certain medications or start taking a new drug. It’s most often caused by combining medications that contain serotonin, such as a migraine medication and an antidepressant. Some illicit drugs and dietary supplements are associated with serotonin syndrome.
Milder forms of serotonin syndrome may go away within a day or two of stopping the medications that cause symptoms and, sometimes, after taking drugs that block serotonin,”.
What is cannabis liability coverage?
In conclusion, cannabis liability coverage is essentially the safety net that protects cannabis businesses from the unique risks tied to an industry still navigating federal illegality, evolving regulations, and complex insurance landscapes.
As more states—Michigan included—continue expanding legal access, this specialized coverage helps cultivators, processors, and dispensaries safeguard their operations, recover from losses, and stay compliant.
Furthermore, with public adjusters stepping in to advocate for operators when claims get complicated, cannabis businesses have stronger support than ever to keep moving forward in a rapidly growing market.
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