Can Smoking Marijuana Affect Your Life Insurance Rates?

Yes, smoking marijuana can affect your life insurance rates, but it does not automatically mean you will pay more or be denied coverage. The biggest factor is usually how frequently you use marijuana and how the insurance company evaluates your overall health and lifestyle.

Marijuana use is increasingly common in the United States. The CDC reported that 15.3% of adults surveyed across 22 states and two territories reported current marijuana use in 2022, and about 80% of those users reported smoking it. The same study found that 7.9% reported daily or near-daily use.

How Does Marijuana Affect Life Insurance Rates?

Life insurance companies assess risk differently, so there is no single rule for marijuana users. Some insurers may offer favorable rates to occasional users, while others may charge higher premiums based on frequency of use. Some companies may also distinguish between smoking marijuana and consuming cannabis through edibles or other methods.

For example, imagine a 35-year-old who is otherwise healthy and smokes marijuana once or twice a month. One insurer may consider that applicant differently from another 35-year-old who smokes marijuana every day. Frequent use can receive more scrutiny during underwriting.

Your use of tobacco can also make a major difference. Someone who smokes marijuana but does not use cigarettes may be evaluated differently from someone who regularly uses both marijuana and tobacco.

Will You Have to Take a Drug Test?

Possibly. Depending on the policy and insurer, the application may ask about marijuana use, and a medical exam may include blood or urine testing. Some life insurers test for marijuana, while their pricing rules for marijuana users can vary considerably.

That makes honesty extremely important. If an application asks about marijuana use, answer accurately. Trying to hide regular marijuana use could create problems later if the insurer discovers conflicting information during underwriting or investigates a claim.

Does Medical Marijuana Affect Life Insurance?

It can. If you use medical marijuana, an insurer may consider both the cannabis use and the medical condition for which it was recommended. In some cases, the underlying health condition may have more influence on your rate than marijuana itself.

The CDC notes that cannabis use can have various health effects and that cannabis use disorder can occur in some users.

How Can You Get the Best Life Insurance Rate?

If you smoke marijuana, don't assume every insurance company will treat you the same way. Comparing multiple insurers can help you find underwriting guidelines that better fit your circumstances.

The benefit of shopping around is simple: you can compare coverage amounts, policy terms, eligibility requirements, and premiums instead of accepting the first offer.

Ready to see what you may qualify for? Request a free life insurance quote today and compare available options. You may be surprised by how affordable coverage can be—even if you smoke marijuana.