As cannabis continues to be legalized on the state level across much of the U.S., ALM has launched the fifth course in its Cannabis Insurance Coverage Specialist (CICS) designation — Workers Compensation for Cannabis Businesses.

Recreational marijuana is now legal in 21 states and Washington, D.C., following the recent mid-term elections as voters in Maryland and Missouri signaled their support of adult-use cannabis. Medical marijuana is currently legal in 37 states plus Washington, D.C., Guam and Puerto Rico, although limitations vary by jurisdiction.

Previous modules for the designation have provided a general overview of the cannabis industry and addressed insurance issues related to risk management, claims and real estate because ALM recognizes that insurers need to be familiar with a variety of matters associated with coverage for cannabis-touching entities. The CICS designation was launched in the fall of 2021 to provide an in-depth overview of these topics.