If you use cannabis, you might be wondering if it will impact your life insurance rates. Some people assume it means higher costs or even a denied application, but that’s not always the case.
Life insurance companies look at many factors when deciding your rates. Your age, health, lifestyle, and habits all play a role in how much you pay. Cannabis use is just one part of the equation, but how often you use it, why you use it, and the company you apply with can make a big difference.
Some insurers still treat cannabis the same way they treat tobacco, while others are much more relaxed about it. That means your rates can vary a lot, depending on where you apply.
How Life Insurance Companies View Cannabis Use
Insurance companies assess risk when setting rates. Their goal is to figure out how long you’re likely to live and determine how much they should charge. The lower the risk, the lower your rates. If they think something increases your risk, they charge more.
Cannabis use used to be seen as a major risk, like tobacco smoking. But things have changed. More states and countries have legalized cannabis, and many people use it for medical reasons, relaxation, or sleep. Because of this, some insurers have become more flexible, while others still consider cannabis use a negative factor.
How Often You Use Cannabis Matters
One of the biggest things life insurance companies look at is how often you use cannabis. There’s a huge difference between someone who uses it once a year and someone who uses it daily.
Most insurance companies place cannabis users into categories:
- Rare use (once or twice a month) – Some companies won’t increase your rates at all.
- Moderate use (a few times a week) – You may pay slightly higher rates, but not as much as a tobacco user.
- Daily use – Some companies will charge higher rates or even classify you as a smoker, which means much higher premiums.
If you only use cannabis occasionally, you might be able to get standard rates, meaning your insurance costs won’t go up. But if you use it daily, you might end up in a higher-risk category.
Medical vs. Recreational Use
Another thing insurers look at is why you use cannabis. If you use it for medical reasons, they will ask for details about your condition.
For example, if you use cannabis to help with anxiety or chronic pain, the insurer may focus on those health issues rather than the cannabis itself. If they believe your medical condition increases your risk, they may charge more, even if your cannabis use is minimal.
Recreational use is usually treated more leniently than medical use linked to serious health conditions.
THC vs. CBD Use
Not all cannabis products are treated the same way. Many life insurance companies only care about THC use.
If you use CBD-only products (which don’t contain THC), most insurers won’t even consider it an issue. CBD is non-psychoactive and widely used for pain relief, anxiety, and sleep, so most companies won’t raise your rates just for CBD use.
Honesty is Important on Your Application
It might be tempting to lie about cannabis use to get lower rates, but that’s a bad idea. Insurance companies can check your medical records, prescriptions, and even order a blood or urine test. If they find out you weren’t truthful, they could:
- Increase your rates
- Cancel your policy
- Deny a future claim (meaning your family won’t get the payout if something happens to you)
It’s always better to be honest from the start. If one company charges too much, you can always apply elsewhere.
Finding the Right Life Insurance Company
Since every insurance company treats cannabis use differently, shopping around is the best way to get a good deal. Some insurers still charge smoker rates (which are much higher), while others offer affordable standard rates to occasional users.
If you’re looking for the Best Life Insurance Companies for Marijuana Use, it helps to work with an expert who understands the industry. There are many online guides that can help you find the best options so you don’t overpay.
How to Get the Best Rates as a Cannabis User
If you use cannabis and want the lowest possible life insurance rates, here are a few things that can help:
- Cut back before applying – Some insurers offer better rates if you’re an occasional user rather than a daily one. If you don’t use cannabis for a while before your medical exam, it may not even show up in tests.
- Maintain good health – Insurance companies look at your overall health more than any single habit. Eating well, exercising, and keeping a healthy weight can lower your risk category and reduce your rates.
- Choose the right insurer – Since companies have different rules, applying with the wrong one can cost you thousands over time. Finding an insurer that’s more flexible can make a big difference.
- Consider waiting if you recently quit – If you’ve used cannabis regularly but want to stop, waiting a few months to a year before applying may help you get even better rates.
Final Thoughts
Using cannabis can affect your life insurance rates, but it depends on how often you use it, why you use it, and which company you apply with. Some insurers charge high rates, while others are more flexible and may offer standard rates to occasional users.
The key to getting the best deal is being honest on your application, shopping around, and maintaining good overall health. If one insurer is too expensive, another may offer a better option. Taking the time to compare companies can save you money and ensure you get the right coverage at the best price.
