Comp program for cannabis industry workers launched

Atlas General Insurance Services LLC has launched a workers compensation program for the cannabis industry in California, the program administrator announced Thursday.  

The program, affiliated with Accredited Surety and Casualty Co., can accommodate workers comp risks involved in all aspects of the cannabis industry, including growers, extractors, analytical labs, medicine manufacturers, food and beverage products manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and distribution, transportation and dispensaries, according to a statement issued by San Diego-based Atlas.

"Atlas has been studying the cannabis industry well before it became legalized in California," Bill Trzos, Atlas CEO, said in the statement. "Through our research, we recognized the opportunity to be proactive in entering the cannabis market, and are excited to be one of a few work comp platforms in the state."

While the program is available only in California now, Atlas will be opening this program in other states with legalized cannabis, according to the statement.

The new product is a response to California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones’ call for workers compensation products to serve the marijuana industry, the same year voters approved its recreational use.