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Dear Readers:

South Florida Hospital News & Healthcare Report welcomes you to
Cannabis News Florida, a feature of our print publication, website and
e-newsletters. Its purpose is to provide pertinent educational information from
leading authorities about medical and business developments in the medical cannabis
industry. We also provide both national and international information
which will affect the medical cannabis business in the State of Florida.

From Seed to Sale:

Evolution Insurance Solutions

Breaking New Ground in Cannabis Coverages

BY VANESSA ORR coverage to meet the unique needs of clients in this
expanding field.
As Florida businesses begin to embrace the burgeoning cannabis industry , it’s impor- “Cannabis is such a movement, but there’s very lim-
tant for owners to understand that even though they may already have liability insurance, ited, or conflicting information available,” said
it may not cover cannabis-related issues. Not only do those who produce and sell medical Fernandez, adding that only a handful of agents in the
marijuana need to protect themselves, but so do companies that provide professional or state of Florida provide cannabis coverage, with only
consulting services. two south of Ocala. “We work with cannabis lawyers,
“While most companies might assume that they are covered under their general liabil- accountants, doctors and businesses to educate them
ity policies, if cannabis isn’t specifically included, they’re not,” explained Kassie on general liability , professional liability and product Kassie Fernandez
Fernandez, founder and president of Evolution Insurance Solutions. “Those who grow liability - we cover everything from seed to sale.”
and dispense cannabis know that they need this type of insurance, but many attorneys, Evolution works with A-rated carriers out of California to provide coverage for every-
doctors, accountants, and consultants aren’t aware that they’re at risk.” thing from employment practices liability to protect clients from employers stealing
Based in Davie, FL, Evolution Insurance Solutions offers a range of insurance products money or product, to workers’ compensation, to property and crop insurance.
including business liability and commercial property coverage, but its main focus is on “Cannabis is a high-risk industry ,” said Fernandez. “This type of coverage extends past
cannabis coverage. Fernandez and partner Heather Larrea, with a combined 30 years of having someone hurt on the property or stealing product - if a hurricane causes an outage
insurance experience, started Evolution to provide education as well as comprehensive and the plants die or if the outside crop is ruined by weather, we cover the actual product.
“If a client isn’t able to cultivate plants or seeds and it causes a business interruption,
they can get paid for something that happened outside of their control, which helps alle-
viate the loss of revenue,” she added.
Companies that do their own deliveries can get transportation coverage that covers
both the vehicles and the products inside, and Evolution also offers insurance for com-
panies providing edible products and cannabidiols.
Fernandez suggests that everyone who works in or with the cannabis industry take
time to review their insurance coverage.
“Certain industries are required to carry employment practices liability and profession-
al liability , but their current policies may not cover anything cannabis related - for exam-
ple, if a doctor is dispensing cards for medical marijuana,” said Fernandez.
“What if someone pursues a lawsuit because you recommended something that they
say didn’t get results, or caused an adverse reaction? They might pursue a lawsuit,” she
added. “The coverage is there not only to pay out when it needs to, but to provide defense
costs, such as attorneys’ fees, as well. You don’t need to be found negligent to have a law-
suit against you.”
As cannabis use grows, more insurance companies will seek entry into this area, but
for now there are few companies offering these kinds of policies, which is why Evolution
took the extra step to work with carriers who offer more comprehensive coverage.
“It’s just now gaining attention in Florida; it’s not even really broken ground here,” she
said. “We want to get ahead of it; the whole point of Evolution Insurance is to evolve to
meet the needs of our clients.”

For more information, visit www.EvolutionInsurance.com or call (954) 289-2366.

Surterra Wellness Opens

First Legal Marijuana

Dispensary on Miami Beach

On Friday, April 20, Surterra Wellness opened its new Miami Beach
Wellness Center, Surterra’s take on a dispensary. The Miami Beach
Wellness Center features an open and inviting space with a kitchen and
garden, where the entire Surterra Wellness product lines are on display
and available. Surterra CEO Jake Bergmann was also in attendance.

48 May 2018 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News