The program is designed to complement Conifer’s longstanding Cannabis Essentials offering and addresses the growing demand for elevated coverage, expanded property protection, and advanced risk management solutions in the maturing cannabis sector.
“As the cannabis industry matures, our agency partners have consistently shared the need for higher limits and greater capacity,” said Nick Petcoff, CEO of Conifer Insurance Services. “Cannabis Select is a direct response to that need, building on our long track record of success while maintaining the service-first, flexible approach that has always defined Conifer.”
The launch of Cannabis Select follows Conifer’s 2024 acquisition by Bishop Street Underwriters, which has since driven significant investment in underwriting expertise and AI-driven analytics. These enhancements are aimed at scaling Conifer’s solutions and delivering more sophisticated support for agency partners and cannabis clients at all stages of growth. The new program specifically targets larger retail dispensaries, cultivators, and manufacturers operating at scale, offering the high-limit, specialized coverage these businesses require.
“As cannabis businesses scale, their insurance needs grow more complex,” said Kathleen Brown-Hurtado, President of Cannabis Specialty Programs at Conifer. “Cannabis Select delivers the higher limits and specialized protections larger operations demand, while Cannabis Essentials ensures we remain the go-to partner for startups and growth-stage businesses alike.”
Brown-Hurtado, who brings deep leadership experience and strategic vision to the role, is spearheading the expansion of Conifer’s cannabis practice. She is supported by Jason Scheurle, Vice President of Cannabis Specialty Programs, who adds further industry expertise to drive program growth and agency partner success.
The partnership also reflects Skyward Specialty’s focused approach to niche markets. “The partnership with Conifer is a powerful example of Skyward Specialty’s ‘rule our niche’ strategy in action,” said Corey LaFlamme, President of Captives & Specialty Programs at Skyward Specialty. “We provide high-impact, tailored solutions to highly niche markets.”
With Cannabis Select, Conifer and Skyward Specialty are positioning themselves as key players in the cannabis insurance space, delivering comprehensive solutions that evolve alongside the businesses they serve.
