Cannasure: leading the way in cannabis coverage

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Discover how Cannasure, a subsidiary of One80 Intermediaries, provides tailored insurance solutions backed by deep industry expertise to drive success for clients in the cannabis sector

IN THE insurance industry, being a “jack of all trades, and a master of none” isn’t always the best approach – especially when it comes to highly specialized markets. Unlike other fields, the cannabis insurance market requires extensive expertise in the unique risks and regulatory challenges involved. Recognizing this need, Cannasure, a subsidiary of One80 Intermediaries, has been a trailblazer since its inception in 2010. With a singular goal of helping legal marijuana businesses secure the insurance they need at reasonable costs, the company has carved out a niche as a specialist provider. “When it comes to premiums, the market sets the price – if the going rate is $10,000, we have to be able to deliver coverage that aligns with that expectation, shared Kieran O’Rourke, vice president, director of underwriting at Cannasure Insurance Services. “It’s essential to understand the fundamentals behind pricing and how they translate to the open market,” he said.

One80 Intermediaries is a leading privately held insurance wholesaler and program manager with over 55 offices across the US and Canada. Offering placement services and binding authority, One80 specializes in property and casualty, financial lines, benefits, life, travel, accident and health, affinity programs, warranty, and specialty coverage. Serving businesses, non-profits, public entities, individuals, and associations, One80 provides access to markets in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Key office locations include Boston, New York, Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, San Diego, Seattle, Toronto, and Montreal.

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“It’s all about focusing on our team’s deep understanding of the marketplace and tailoring our policies to meet the unique needs of clients”

Patrick McManamon, Cannasure Insurance Services

Over the past decade, the company has solidified its reputation as a trusted expert and a leading insurance provider in the cannabis and hemp industries. “Our team is made up of dedicated specialists, all of whom focus exclusively on the cannabis industry,” confirmed Patrick McManamon, cannabis program practice leader and founder of Cannasure Insurance Services. “It’s all about focusing on our team’s deep understanding of the marketplace and tailoring our policies to meet the unique needs of clients,” he continued.

Cannasure’s success as a specialist provider in the cannabis insurance market is rooted in its focus on building strong, strategic relationships with top-tier insurance agents and partners. “At Cannasure, we don’t own the surplus or capacity – we contract for it. What sets us apart is our strong command of that capacity. By protecting it, we earn the trust and respect of our partners,” said O’Rourke. “We handle their paper, their surplus, and their trust with care, ensuring our growth remains responsible. Simply put, we can only

succeed if we protect the capacity that allows us to write policies,” he continued.

Cannasure’s entry into emerging cannabis markets like Minnesota highlights their proactive approach to building long-term relationships. The firm has strategically partnered with agents involved in the state’s cannabis landscape, collaborating with legislators, business owners, and regulatory bodies to shape the market’s growth. By forging these relationships early, Cannasure ensures that it is aligned with local industry experts who can guide its approach and help drive markets forward. “We spend our time developing relationships in advance of a state that’s about to go recreational,” shared Jim McErlean, director of business development at Cannasure Insurance Services. The firm’s long-term relationships with carriers have also played a pivotal role in its success, shielding it from the market fluctuations that many others face.

Fostering strategic partnerships with agents and carriers

Published Mar 24, 2025

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“At Cannasure, we don’t own the surplus or capacity – we contract for it. What sets us apart is our strong command of that capacity. By protecting it, we earn the trust and respect of our partners”

Kieran O’Rourke, Cannasure Insurance Services

What sets Cannasure apart? The firm’s success is built not only on strong relationships but also on a keen awareness of the market’s competitive landscape. Cannasure regularly evaluates its offerings through an annual review process, ensuring clients get the best and its products remain relevant and competitive.

A client-centric approach

“Since launching our program, we’ve worked exclusively with two carriers, and our reinsurance panel, which has been with us from the start, has only expanded. We’ve never lost anyone from our panel, and this consistency has shielded us from the market volatility experienced by others, who often come and go or lose carriers,” added McManamon.

“We take a hard look at what our competitors are doing and why,” explained McErlean. This review involves analyzing base product coverages, exploring opportunities to expand limits, and adjusting pricing based on loss activity and market trends. Cannasure’s innovative approach to cannabis insurance is grounded in understanding client needs and creating products that address industry-specific risks. Key offerings include:

Flexible security requirements: Unlike competitors that strictly enforce DEA vault and safe requirements, Cannasure takes a client-focused approach. “We listen to what the client has,” said McErlean. “They built their safes and vaults for specific reasons – whether it’s space constraints or extra security measures. We want to have a conversation to understand how those mechanisms support theft prevention and employee safety.” This flexibility allows Cannasure to create policies that truly align with each client’s unique setup. Budtender liability coverage: Recognizing the critical advisory role of budtenders, Cannasure offers unique liability protection against claims arising from “bad advice.” “If a budtender recommends a product for relaxation, anxiety relief, or sleep, and something goes wrong, we’re there to protect them and their business,” explained McErlean. This innovative coverage supports dispensaries and their employees in navigating the complexities of product recommendations. Voluntary product recall expense reimbursement: Cannasure’s product recall coverage extends beyond government-mandated recalls. “Most competitors only cover recalls triggered by government action,” McErlean noted. “We also reimburse businesses for voluntary recalls when they recognize an issue with their products and want to act proactively to protect consumers.” This unique feature helps businesses manage expenses while maintaining trust and safety in the marketplace.

For more information on how Cannasure’s coverage options can benefit your cannabis clients, visit Cannasure Insurance Services.

We’ve got you covered

Features of our Cannabis and Hemp Package Program include:

Available nationwide

Program carrier is AM Best-rated A-VIII

Flexible underwriting solutions to meet the unique and evolving needs of the cannabis market

Target classes and risks

Our Cannabis and Hemp Package Program focuses on:

Dispensaries

Processors/ manufacturers

Landlords/ LROs

Cultivators

Ancillary businesses

Testing laboratories

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