The John Ford Insurance Agency, a full-service company based in Eureka, is pleased to announce that it now offers cannabis insurance. Policies are available for indoor and outdoor grow operations, dispensaries, physicians who prescribe medical marijuana, testing operations, and landlords whose tenants cultivate, test, process and/or sell cannabis.

Owner John Ford says he fielded numerous requests for cannabis insurance prior to the decision to make it available through his own agency. With experience in both the insurance and real estate industries, he is well-positioned to provide this service locally.

“The people who insure their cannabis businesses are doing business right,” said Ford. “Medical marijuana grows are already legal in California, and I think it’s only a matter of time before anyone who grows responsibly will be able to do so legally.”

Before a grow operation can be insured, they are required to have an inspection from a licensed electrician and an approved alarm system. Other requirements depend on critical business functions. Coverage is available for theft, employee dishonesty, and workers comp.

Insurance is also offered for landlords. In the past, some have been startled by insurance policy cancellations due to their tenant’s marijuana operations. Ford’s agency offers coverage that removes that worry while adding a liability policy, and more.

“This insurance can be a financial lifesaver for so many,” said Ford. “I think about the fires raging right now, and just know there are medical and recreational marijuana grows out there that lost a lot and are still in jeopardy. If they had the right cannabis insurance, their losses would be covered.”