Arizona Medical Cannabis Event to Focus on Dispensary Insurance, Risks and Service Innovation

Entrepreneurs looking to get involved in Arizona’s fledgling marijuana industry have no shortage of opportunities to receive help as they navigate the complex world of medical cannabis. Numerous groups have held seminars, conferences and other events aimed at providing much-needed information to locals hoping to open a dispensary, grow operation or other MMJ-related business.

The latest opportunity comes on Sept. 27, when Cannassure Insurance Services will host a seminar in Scottsdale covering insurance options, risk management strategies and service innovations in the medical marijuana business. Patrick McManamon and Kathy Kukor from Cannassure will lead the insurance and risk management segment of the seminar, while Steve DeAngelo of Harborside Health Center – a large dispensary based in Oakland, California – will speak on service innovations.

“We will discuss strategies to minimize risk associated with crime and security, cash management, workers’ comp, product liability and auto (delivery; hired and non-owned),” McManamon said. “We have toured and observed numerous dispensaries, growing warehouses and infused product manufactures in California and Colorado over the last two years.  Our interviews with key employees and observations have formed the basis for our insurance and risk management program.”

Arizona recently selected dispensary finalists in a highly publicized lottery. The winners can now move to the next step in the process and – if they qualify – eventually receive a permit. But some high-level state officials are trying to shut down the entire program and a lawsuit on the issue will likely determine which side comes out on top. A judge could rule on the suit in the coming weeks.

The Cannassure event – which is free to locals who received initial approval by the state to open a dispensary – will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main Street, in Scottsdale. The Marijuana Policy Project and the National Cannabis Industry Association are sponsoring the seminar. If you’re interested in attending, RSVP to Julie Yurchenko at 800-420-5757 or julie@cannassure.com.

Following the event, DeAngelo will host a separate talk titled “A Journey Through Cannabis Reform” in a presentation sponsored by the 280E Reform Team. Tickets are $100. For more information or to register, visit the 280E Reform website.

DeAngelo will also speak at the upcoming National Marijuana Business Conference in Denver this November, while Cannasure is sponsoring and exhibiting at the two-day event. The Marijuana Policy Project and NCIA are also sponsoring the conference and will speak at the gathering as well. Hosted by Medical Marijuana Business Daily, the conference features 40 speakers and panelists representing a wide swath of the industry. Discount tickets are on sale here.

Image credit: Modified image of original photo provided by Olaf_Janssen via Flickr