The hemp and CBD industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. In fact, the sector is projected to
be valued at nearly $28 billion by 2028, up from $5.6 billion in 2020.1Specifically, the rising popularity of
cannabidiol—a cannabinoid also known as CBD—has largely contributed to the hemp industry's surging success,
with a wide range of CBD products appearing on the shelves in thousands of stores across the United States.2
While this industry is certainly growing, it also carries numerous risks. Of course, businesses within the hemp sector
face exposures common to every industry—including property damage, business interruptions and equipment breakdowns—but
they are also susceptible to industry-specific risks. Both the production and distribution of CBD and other hemp products are
still under the process of being regulated at the federal and local levels, thus creating compliance challenges. The nature of
these products also makes them increasingly subject to potential liability concerns, including customer lawsuits.
Whether businesses manufacture, distribute or sell CBD or other hemp products, it's important for them to understand
their unique risks and take steps to protect against those exposures by securing sufficient insurance coverage. Here's
an outline of hemp industry risks and coverage solutions for businesses within the sector to consider.
Industry risks
Businesses that operate in this sector face a variety of possible exposures. Some key risks include the following:
- Compliance concerns—Businesses selling hemp or CBD must take note of a handful of regulatory hurdles.
Because CBD and other hemp products are still being regulated, compliance requirements can vary between states.
What's more, this legislation is subject to change over time. Here are some regulations to keep in mind:
- Although the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of hemp in U.S. soil and therefore permitted CBD
products derived from hemp to be sold throughout the country, states are allowed to develop their own laws
regarding hemp cultivation and what type of CBD products can be offered.3 For example, some states only
permit businesses to sell CBD products if they are derived from hemp, meaning they contain less than 0.3%
tetrahydrocannabinol—also known as THC. Other states with medical or recreational marijuana laws allow CBD
to be derived from either source, with specific rules in place for where it can be sold and in what kinds
of products.
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At the federal level, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restricted CBD products from being called
"dietary supplements." The FDA made this decision after approving a drug known as Epidiolex with CBD in it.
Although states are permitted to form their own legislation on this topic, the FDA's ruling means that CBD items
cannot be sold or marketed in food or beverage products within the scope of interstate commerce. In other words,
these products cannot cross state lines.4
- While businesses generally do not need any licensing to sell CBD or other hemp products, most states—primarily,
those that adopted the 2018 Farm Bill—require such certifications in order to legally grow hemp plants as well as
extract and manufacture CBD products from these plants. Some states prohibit hemp planting and CBD extraction altogether.5
- Customer lawsuits—Businesses that sell or manufacture CBD or other hemp products should be aware of the potential
for customer lawsuits or other liability issues stemming from the use of these items. Even though customers may
seek these products out for wellness reasons, it's critical to refrain from making medical claims about their CBD
or other hemp offerings. Businesses that market their products as capable of providing specific health benefits or
treating certain conditions could face significant legal action from customers if their products fail to work as
advertised. In addition, ingredients of their CBD and other hemp products should be clearly listed within the items'
packaging to help customers identify potential allergens and irritants. Further, businesses should refrain from
marketing any products as "THC-free," as such claims cannot be officially certified. Even trace amounts of THC
should be identified. After all, customers could sue businesses for any damages they suffer after using products
that didn't include full ingredient labels.
- Equipment mishaps—To manufacture CBD or other hemp products, businesses typically need a range of planting and extraction equipment.
While beneficial to operations, this equipment can be both costly and complex. If any of this equipment breaks down or malfunctions,
businesses could encounter significant expenses and disruption concerns.
- Transportation issues—If businesses are responsible for distributing CBD or other hemp products, they need to
address the risk of any problems that may occur during the transportation process. Namely, if these products are lost
or damaged in transit, businesses could experience delivery problems, schedule delays and other costly consequences.
Additionally, businesses that get caught trying to illegally transport food‐ or beverage-based CBD products over
state lines could face regulatory ramifications at the federal level.
Coverage solutions
Despite these exposures, businesses within the hemp and CBD industry can minimize their risks by implementing proper
protective measures and securing sufficient coverage. Primarily, businesses should consider the following insurance
solutions:
- Commercial property coverage—This type of policy can help pay the cost to repair, rebuild or
replace a business's property and its contents following a covered event (e.g., fire, hail or vandalism).
Covered items may include special equipment and product inventory.6 If hemp is planted inside any buildings on the
business's property, it may also be covered. However, hemp grown outdoors is generally excluded from commercial
property coverage and would likely require separate crop insurance through an agribusiness market.
- Business income coverage—If a covered event forces a business to shut its doors temporarily,
this form of insurance—which works with commercial property coverage—can offer reimbursement for the cost of
temporarily relocating operations and help recoup lost income.7
- General liability coverage—Such a policy can protect against the resulting expenses if a
business is held responsible for injuring a third party or damaging its property.8 For instance,
this coverage could offer assistance if a customer slips in a business's parking lot and takes legal action to compensate for their injury.
- Product liability coverage—If a customer files a lawsuit after getting injured or experiencing other
damages from using a business's CBD or hemp products, this form of insurance can help cover the business's legal expenses.9
Yet, keep in mind that lawsuits stemming from products containing false medical claims or possessing inaccurate ingredient labels are generally excluded from coverage.
- Equipment breakdown coverage—This type of policy can offer reimbursement for the costs that may result if a business's equipment unexpectedly breaks down or
malfunctions, as these types of losses are not covered under commercial property insurance.10 Such coverage is especially
critical for any business that relies on specific hemp planting or CBD extraction equipment within their daily operations.
- Inland marine coverage—Such a policy can provide protection against losses that may occur while a business is in the process of distributing CBD or hemp products.
This coverage usually protects any inventory in the care, custody or control of the business.11
Businesses should keep in mind that they will need to stay compliant with all applicable regulations regarding the
manufacturing, distribution and sale of CBD and other hemp products to maintain coverage. Further, they may only be
eligible for coverage if their products contain less than a set percentage of THC (e.g., 0.3%). Apart from the
aforementioned insurance offerings, businesses may need to secure additional coverage to meet their unique
operational needs.
In order to adequately mitigate their potential exposures and secure personalized insurance solutions, businesses
should be sure to consult a trusted insurance professional—such as a broker. This professional should possess
the knowledge and expertise necessary to successfully navigate the hemp industry and its evolving risk landscape.
Overall, businesses within the hemp and CBD industry have the opportunity to experience significant growth in the
coming years. By understanding their particular risks, acting to reduce those concerns and purchasing proper
insurance coverage, these businesses can remain successful as these sectors continue to flourish.
Contact us to learn more about Nationwide's insurance offerings for businesses that operate in the hemp and CBD industry.
