5 Essential Insights for Managing Cannabis Insurance Portfolios Effectively

Managing cannabis insurance portfolios is a growing challenge and opportunity for businesses and professionals in the cannabis space. With evolving regulations, diverse asset classes, and expanding operations, companies require a proactive strategy to protect themselves from potential risks while supporting long-term growth. In this members-only webinar, we’ll explore real-world experiences and insights from industry experts on how to successfully manage cannabis insurance portfolios—and why your accounting strategy must be part of the conversation.

1. The Journey to Curaleaf: A Real-World Case Study in Managing Cannabis Insurance Portfolios

We begin our discussion with an inspiring case study of a multi-talented professional: a commercial insurance executive by day and DJ ChozaH by night. This dynamic individual rose through the ranks to become one of the top executives at Curaleaf, the world’s largest cannabis company. Their journey reflects the complex nature of managing cannabis insurance portfolios at scale, especially within a high-growth, multi-state operator.

From managing liability exposure to ensuring comprehensive coverage across facilities, this executive’s experience shows how essential it is to maintain robust insurance portfolios tailored to the cannabis industry’s unique risks.

2. Why Accountants Play a Critical Role in Cannabis Insurance Management

Managing cannabis insurance portfolios isn’t just the responsibility of brokers or risk managers. Accountants play a vital role in this process. They provide financial analysis that directly informs risk assessment and asset protection strategies. In our webinar, we’ll dive deep into how accountants can support insurance decision-making and enhance overall portfolio management.

For example, an accountant’s ability to track depreciation schedules, manage audits, and assess financial risk is essential when aligning with insurance underwriting standards. A well-managed insurance portfolio can directly impact the company’s bottom line, especially when navigating claim denials or premium increases.

3. Cannabis Competency in Government and Insurance Regulation

Government regulations heavily influence how cannabis insurance portfolios are built and managed. Understanding regulatory compliance, coverage limitations, and evolving legal frameworks is critical for operators. The lack of federal legalization adds complexity, especially around interstate operations and access to traditional insurance carriers.

In this session, we’ll discuss how industry leaders are working with government agencies to improve cannabis insurance accessibility and clarity. Whether you’re managing cannabis insurance portfolios for dispensaries, cultivators, or vertically integrated enterprises, policy knowledge is a must-have asset.

4. How Curaleaf’s 420 Initiative Promotes Diversity—and What It Means for Insurance

Curaleaf’s 420 Initiative is a powerful example of how diversity and inclusion intersect with risk management and insurance. This internal program aims to elevate diverse voices within the cannabis space and create more equitable opportunities. But what does that have to do with managing cannabis insurance portfolios?

It turns out, a diverse team offers broader risk perspectives. Diverse decision-makers help companies assess risks from multiple angles, which can lead to stronger insurance strategies and better-prepared portfolios. Our speakers will share how inclusive teams at Curaleaf are helping shape smarter, more adaptive insurance frameworks.

5. Building a Future-Proof Strategy for Managing Cannabis Insurance Portfolios

With an increasing number of cannabis businesses facing theft, fire, lawsuits, and other unexpected risks, managing cannabis insurance portfolios must be a strategic priority. We’ll end the webinar by outlining a future-proof approach that blends accounting, insurance, and regulatory insight into one cohesive risk management plan.

Participants will leave with a better understanding of:

• How to evaluate current insurance coverage and identify gaps

• Which types of policies are most important for cannabis operators

• How to align accounting processes with insurance strategy

• What questions to ask your broker and accounting team

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with practical tools for managing cannabis insurance portfolios—no matter your role in the industry. Whether you’re an operator, accountant, or compliance professional, this webinar is packed with value to help you reduce risk and protect your business.

Al Ochosa

DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE, RISK, & SAFETY (IRS) COMPLIANCE at CURALEAF

Al is a passionate and energetic cannabis professional celebrating the wave of change sweeping across the globe! Al currently serves as the Director of Insurance, Risk, and Safety (IRS) Compliance at Curaleaf. As a new position within Curaleaf, the IRS Director is responsible for managing, administering and optimizing the Company’s national insurance portfolio, building and administering the Company’s risk assessment and asset protection programs as well as the business continuity and safety compliance (OSHA) programs, among numerous other duties. Al reports directly to Curaleaf’s Chief Compliance Officer.Curaleaf is the world’s largest cannabis company by revenue and the most diversified vertically integrated cannabis company in the United States, the world’s largest cannabis market, with a mission to improve lives by providing clarity around cannabis and confidence around consumption.. Curaleaf currently has operations in 23 states, with the Company having affiliated operations spanning over 135 dispensary licenses, 88 operational dispensary locations, over 30 processing facilities and 22 cultivation sites with 1.6 million square feet of current cultivation capacity, and employs over 3,000 people across the United States. With the transformative acquisitions of Select and Grassroots in 2020, Curaleaf’s expanded geographic presence now offers access to medical or adult use Cannabis to more than 192 million people, or roughly two-thirds of the United States population.Prior to Curaleaf, Al served as the Senior Director of Licensing & Corporate Relations for Cura Partners/Select, previously one of the largest vertically integrated cannabis companies on the West Coast. Cura Partners/Select was acquired by Curaleaf in February 2020. He had managed corporate relationships for Cura encompassing State regulatory agencies like OLCC, ODA, BCC, and CDPH as well as various local municipalities, associations, and surrounding communities. With an eye for precision, Al oversaw Cura’s licensing and permitting, risk management and insurance, facility oversight and construction, expansion planning, community outreach, and other special project management duties in all jurisdictions where Cura was operational. In 2018, Cura Partners/Select was named the #1 Fastest Growing Private Company in Oregon (ever!) and placed #45 on the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies that same year.