Marijuana and Life Insurance: The Complete Guide to Navigating Coverage
Written by Daniel Ray, Life Insurance Expert |
✅
Fact Checked by
Lisamarie Monaco |
Editorial Disclosure
Life Insurance for Marijuana Users isn’t just a trending topic, but a crucial consideration for cannabis enthusiasts looking to secure their family’s future.
If you’re a marijuana user, you’ve probably wondered how this lifestyle choice affects your ability to purchase term life insurance.
This guide delves into the intricate relationship between cannabis consumption and insurance premiums, helping you navigate the waters of the insurance market.
From understanding how different carriers view THC-positive applications, to finding out which companies offer the best rates for marijuana smokers, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re seeking no medical term insurance or considering a fully underwritten policy, our aim is to direct you to the optimal solutions.
PinnacleQuote’s expertise in this niche ensures you get insights on the carriers that cater to certain health impairments, as well as those to be cautious of.
Dive in and empower yourself with knowledge to make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
How Will Marijuana Use Affect Life Insurance Rates
What You Need To Know…
Will marijuana affect life insurance?
Can you get life insurance for pot smokers?
As Society continues to become more leniet towards marijuana users, the carriers are beginning to follow. It’s not very difficult to get coverage if you are a current marijuana user.
However, finding an affordable life insurance plan is another story.
Marijuana users, in most cases, are rated like tobacco users, with the exeption of a few.
Often times, marijuana users are considered high risk applicants by companies.
However, there are several things you can do that will help you receive affordable life insurance as a marijuana user, which we will go over more below.
Do Life Insurance Companies Test for Marijuana
Does life insurance test for Marijuana?
Worried about how to Pass the Life Insurance Drug Test?
Don’t be…
Above all, just be honest during the application and exam. They will test for marijuana, cocaine and prescription medications. For those that have prescription marijuana, your rates will not go up because of your marijuana usage, rather you will be rated for the underlying medical condition.
However, those that smoke and use marijuana recreationally can be a red flag to most life companies. The most frequent questions asked of me by my clients, do life insurance companies test for drugs.
The answer is yes!! A fully underwritten life policy will require a professional examiner to perform a paramedical test.
This test consists of height, weight, blood pressure and a small blood and urine sample. This test is paid for by the carrier.
Hiring an independent agent will really help you find affordable life insurance as a marijuana user. This is because, as an expert, an agent will know which companies have the most lenient underwriting towards marijuana users!
In fact, a good independent agent can potentially find you a company that charges you a standard rate for life insurance.
Life Insurance For Marijuana Smokers
WHICH COMPANIES SHOULD I LOOK INTO? Can I get nonsmoker rates?
When it comes to marijuana and a life insurance drug test, while it’s possible for a marijuana user to find a company that offers them a standard rate, know that most companies will categorize marijuana smokers and tobacco smokers together.
Which, as most modern research suggests, is unfair to marijuana smokers because the rate is significantly higher!
Therefore, shopping around for companies is crucial when purchasing a policy. This way, you’ll be able to find a company that doesn’t see your marijuana habit as a high risk.
There are several excellent companies out there to choose from. Take a look at some of the best options below, these are the carriers we use for marijuana users to secure a non-tobacco rate.
Top 6 Marijuana Carriers
| Carrier | Usage Frequency | Risk Class | THC on Insurance Labs |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIG | 2 times/Year 2 Times/Month |
Preferred Plus Standard NT |
No Preferred Rates Available |
| John Hancock | Occasional Use | Standard-Preferred with negative THC | YES |
| Lincoln Financial | 1 time per month 1-2 per week 3-4 per week 4-6 per week Daily |
Preferred Plus NT Preferred NT Standard TO Table B Table B To Table D Decline |
NO |
| Mutual Of Omaha | 3 times or less per month | Standard NT | YES, must be consistent with admitted use |
| Prudential | Medical Marijuana Up to 2 times a month Up to 4 times a week Over 4 times a week |
Preferred Plus NS Non-Smoker Plus Table B NS Decline |
No Yes |
| Principal | 7 times a month 8-12 times a month 13 or more times a month |
Standard NT (Edible Only) Table B NT (Edible Only) Decline |
No |
Above all, it’s important to understand, by speaking with an experienced independent agent, they will have the knowledge for which companies would consider you a non-smoker.
In general, whether the use is medical marijuana or recreational, your agent will know which companies to shop you to that will consider you a non-smoker.
Life insurance rates for smokers are easily 3x higher than for non-smokers. So give your agent an opportunity to know your entire medical history, do not leave any information out.
Also just be honest, these carriers always have a way of finding out the truth!
They have multiple types of nicotine tests and THC tests that tell them the whole story!
AIG Life Insurance Drug Test
Does AIG drug test? YES!
Will marijuana in a blood test life insurance exam show up? Yes, it will!!
Above all, in a life insurance exam drug test the insurance company will want to know what kind of lifestyle activities you subject yourself to.
In addition, do they test for drugs for life insurance other than marijuana? The answer is, yes.
Do life insurance companies test for THC? Yes, as its the main ingredient in marijuana.
Here is the list of illegal drugs that the life insurance carrier will test for as part of the application process.
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
Expanded Opiates
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Hydromorphone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Fentalyn
In addition, Lincoln Financial drug test is very similar. LFG life insurance drug test for weed and all the above.
It’s important to know that when you apply for life insurance they will do a background check in addition to a paramedical exam which consists of a blood test for life insurance pot use.
Can You Get Life Insurance If You Smoke Weed
LIFE INSURANCE DRUG TEST, WHAT ELSE DO THEY WANT TO KNOW
Many clients ask this question, can I get life insurance if I Smoke Weed?
Or does life insurance test for drugs?
From THC to Policy: The Marijuana User’s Guide to Life Insurance
Before applying, preparation is best for the questions they are going to ask you.
Companies will want to know all about your marijuana use.
It’s essential, to be honest, and thorough with your answers.
Answers that aren’t truthful may make life insurance companies more hesitant about covering you.
Below, we’ll list some questions to assist you when applying.
- How often do you smoke marijuana?
- Do you ever drive while under the influence of marijuana use?
- Do you have a medical prescription for marijuana use?
- When did you start smoking marijuana?
Generally speaking, a Preferred Smoker rating is the best possible rating for those that smoke marijuana on a couple of times a month.
Although you’ll still pay more than nonsmokers, Preferred Smoker life insurance policies are going to be much cheaper than standard smoker life insurance policies.
The more THC in a blood test for a life policy, the more money you will be paying. Also, a urinalysis test for life insurance can show traces of THC.
In most cases, the extent of recreational marijuana use will determine the health class. However, the recreational user can achieve a good rate but will also determine the long term use and how often.
Some of the best carriers for recreational use is
- Minnesota Life
- American General
- Lincoln National
- Prudential
Again, the ratings depending on how many times a month.
20 Year Term based on $500,000 in coverage for both Male and Females
20-year term life insurance rates for marijuana users
| Age | Gender | Frequency of Marijuana Use | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uses marijuana 1-2 times per year | Uses marijuana 3-4 times per month | Uses marijuana daily | ||
| 25 | Female | $17.63 | $20.91 | $67.93 |
| Male | $21.42 | $26.97 | $80.11 | |
| 35 | Female | $20.84 | $25.55 | $86.74 |
| Male | $24.65 | $30.51 | $97.81 | |
| 45 | Female | $41.34 | $48.13 | $111.03 |
| Male | $51.71 | $61.17 | $144.21 | |
| 55 | Female | $95.49 | $110.50 | $222.52 |
| Male | $130.68 | $152.60 | $330.17 | |
Medical Marijuana and Life Insurance
Benefits and Symptoms
In recent years, the use of marijuana for medical purposes has risen. It almost seems daily there is another health impairment and its symptoms are being treated with medical marijuana.
Remember, those with medical marijuana card and life insurance will only be rated on the underlying condition.
In the past, your primary care physician and/or specialists probably didn’t utilize medical marijuana use as the first approach for treatment.
In fact, they would attempt different prescriptions first and medical marijuana would be used as a last resort.
That has changed. A medical professional may prescribe it as an extra treatment on the off chance that you live in a state where it’s lawful.
More and more are becoming normal, so ask your specialist, how can marijuana help the treatment. Whether recreational or medically speaking, it is always advisable to speak with your specialist.
Research is still early. However, a few investigations indicate it can treat MS side effects like:
- Firmess or Uncontrolled Muscle Developments: Medicinal pot may help quiet your fits and let you move your arms and legs all the more unreservedly.
- Overactive Bladder: Does MS influence you to feel like you have to go the lavatory a ton? The medication can facilitate the fits that reason your successive desire to pee.
- Nerve Torment: It could influence you to hurt less, which can enable you to rest better, as well. Some patients have said that marijuana takes the edge off. In some cases, it’s a better alternative than aspirin.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Such As:
What are the Risks and Side Effects of Marijuana
What Are the Risks…
Weed has some symptoms and long-haul dangers some doctors have claimed.
They’re the same whether you utilize it for entertainment only or as medication.
In the short run, you may have:
- Expanded heart rate
- Moderated response time
- Coordination and adjust issues
- Dazed
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Trouble doing complex thinking
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
DO DOCTORS REPORT DRUG USE TO INSURANCE COMPANIES
WHAT ABOUT THE LAW?
Life Insurance, Weed, Law ~ what you need to know…
Many people are hesitant to admit that they smoke marijuana because they fear legal issues.
However, do to a nationwide drug testing policy, all medical information protects the client.
Thanks to HIPAA laws, this is considered medical information and therefore must be kept private by nurses, the carrier, and independent agents.
Therefore, it is a nationwide insurance drug testing policy and for all medical information to be protected.
This is then uploaded into the MIB otherwise known as the medical information bureau.
Marijuana and Life Insurance Ratings and Legalization
Life insurance agencies are traditional by nature.
Can you blame them? Their entire job is to evaluate risks in every scenario. One area that has sparked debates is health insurance.
Even though medical marijuana is now legal in many states across the U.S., a lot of health insurance companies choose not to cover medical marijuana prescriptions.
Why? Well, it’s because when state laws clash with federal laws, insurance companies prefer siding with the federal standpoint.
Another big challenge? The U.S. federal government still classifies marijuana in the same category as intense drugs like heroin and meth.
This makes it almost impossible to include marijuana in medical studies.
Be that as it may, shouldn’t something be said about life carriers?
Life underwriters job is to investigate a potential client’s life.
Also, they would say they are a decent driver, do they partake in any hazardous activities like scuba diving, do they take long missionary trips with no hospital for hundreds of miles, etc?
- How does weed fit in?
- Will they, by and large, reject weed smokers since it’s an illicit medication?
Or on the other hand, would they say they are more dynamic about recreational utilization of a generally safe medication?
To get some clarity, we had many conversations with medical directors to discover how life insurance carriers see weed clients.
Marijuana and Life Insurance
EACH CASE IS LOOKED AT DIFFERENTLY Impact of marijuana on insurance rates will differ depending on the insurance carrier as they each have their own underwriting guidelines.
In general, impact of marijuana on insurance rates are different as underwriting and guidelines will vary depending on the carrier itself.
In fact, there are only six carriers that we look at when comparing quotes for marijuana users.
For example, one carrier for occasional use will give you a preferred rate when another will decline you for more than 13 times a month.
Again, how a carrier will rate you additionally depending upon the frequency of use.
What is considered a heavy marijuana user?
Again, if usage is for medical purposes only then there is no limitation on use. However, if you use marijuana more than 15 times a month recreationally, there will be a challenge getting covered.
Furthermore, the consumer will have an awful time of getting a decent rate than somebody who just smokes once per week or once per month.
Is Marijuana Considered Tobacco
That is a great question! In general, carriers will rate you as a tobacco user if you use marijuana. In fact, you will be paying 3-4 times more for tobacco rates.
When a life insurance drug test, nicotine will be present as well if you are smoking tobacco.
However, is there cotinine in weed? NO! Cotinine is what the body discreets when nicotine is present in the bloodstream.
If you are chewing tobacco then Prudential is a great carrier to use. However, does Prudential drug test? The answer is yes!
It is imperative to work with an independent agent like me to have the capabilities to shop you to multiple carriers.
As I stated above, we work with 6 carriers for our marijuana clients.
As indicated by underwriter Mike Woods, most carriers put recreational pot use on an indistinguishable level from cigarette smoking.
“Cannabis contains cancer-causing agents and proof proposes that overwhelming cannabis utilize might be related with an oral hole, pharynx, esophageal and lung growths,” Woods said.
Again, most carriers are just behind the times and it may take a few years to catch up.
Some may suggest that marijuana utilization is considerably less unsafe than tobacco.
With that said, that makes it extremely hard for scientists to judge exactly how dangerous weed is.
Until the point when researchers can appear in actuality that weed smoking is more advantageous than tobacco smoking, this outlook will remain the same.
How To Pass a Life Insurance Test for Tobacco or Marijuana
Is there cotinine in marijuana?
Above all, trying to pass a life insurance test when you are actually a smoker can be done.
However, the pain and suffering you can cause your family at the worst possible time when death occurs can be avoided.
Don’t give the life insurance company a reason to contest a policy.
These are billion-dollar corporations, they have ways of finding out. The same goes for marijuana use. It’s always best, to be honest, and admit use.
The Difference?
The major difference than tobacco smoking, with weed, the less you smoke, the better your rating class will be, and the lower your premiums will be.
My marijuana customers had possessed the capacity to get appraised as a non-smoker – like how life coverage organizations treat “celebratory stogie” smokers.
But again, having marijuana in blood test life insurance exam, its always better to admit usage.
Does Life Insurance Test For Weed
LIFE INSURANCE SMOKER TEST FOR NICOTINE AND COTININE
Above all, when you are getting coverage, in most cases if its a term you will have to take an exam. In fact, the urine test will see if you test positive for nicotine or cotinine.
Furthermore, if you test positive you will be paying higher premiums.
For instance, if a consumer is applying fora policy then they are going to want to stop smoking!
Again, you want to make sure that family members receive the full death benefit upon your death.
In some cases, and depending on the carrier, they can ask you to take further tests if they think you are not being honest.
So life insurance applicants may be subject to a saliva test and/or a hair test. These will assist the carrier by detecting nicotine or any other substance.
In general, carriers test for nicotine so if you lied on your application then the carrier may just decline you outright.
So it’s always better, to tell the truth even if you tested positive. So knowing that they have a more thorough way of testing to detecting nicotine, just be honest.
The other alternative is to just pay more money by applying for coverage without a life insurance medical exam.
Marijuana Use On The Underlying Condition treatment
Medicinal weed is expected to help treat “crippling indications,” Woods composes.
“Be that as it may, seriousness is subjective and open to translation.”
Restorative marijuana is a twofold edged sword: if a condition isn’t viewed as genuine by the underwriter, you’ll be dealt with like a recreational client and higher rating with excessive use a possible decline.
With that said, the condition regarded as honest, it’s likewise prone to be uninsurable (AIDs, disease and severe joint inflammation are a few illustrations).
Regardless of whether the genuine condition is insurable, the cost of the coverage will, in any case, be high.
Once more, sit tight for the administration to extricate its principles on therapeutic testing of cannabis.
Later on, marijuana may be a typical remedy for everything from minor yearns to terminal malignancy.
Medical Marijuana and Life Insurance
IS MEDICAL MARIJUANA LOOKED AT DIFFERENTLY
Will insurance cover medical marijuana? This is a question many clients ask.
Toby Bloom, President of Integrity Insurance, said that most back up plans would consider therapeutic weed clients “upon restorative records survey.”
Even if a medicinal weed client is endorsed, there is a possibility they will have a rating as a smoker, Bloom said.
Insurance Companies and Cannabis Use
If you Smoke Weed, Whatever you do, Always Tell The Truth On Your Application!!
This goes for marijuana users and non-marijuana clients alike.
The worst thing to do is lie on an application!
In fact, not only will the carrier find out and likely decline you, but you will be labeled and in the future, it could make it difficult in getting a policy.
I have had customers who were rejected for lying about their pot use.
Furthermore, if you do get away with lying if you die the company can contest the policy.
Above all, Again, Do not lie on a application!!!!
Again, even if you live in a state where cannabis is not legal, still tell the truth.
At the end of the day, underwriters are not undercover law enforcement.
Remember, it’s in the best interest of the life insurance company to charge you as much money as possible.
Again…. BE HONEST!!!!
If I am your agent, as the consumer you will be confident that not only will you get the best rate based on your honesty, but your death benefit will be guaranteed because of it!!
Life Insurance Blood Test THC
MARIJUANA USE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO HIDE
How will smoking weed affect me? Underwriters, as a rule, expect customers to take a paramedical exam, which additionally implies a blood and urine test.
Unless of course, you are applying for a no exam policy.
With regards to life insurance testing for THC, THC appears in a blood test for 3 and 14 days after cannabis use, contingent upon how often the client is consuming it.
Marijuana is noticeable in urine for up to a month, again depending on the amount of consumption. In fact, THC is stored in fat cells.
If you want to speed up the metabolic rate then activities causing you to sweat will burn it off faster.
Remember, whether marijuana in blood and urine, it is difficult to hide. Always be honest with your agent and and your insurance carrier!
You can purchase medical marijuana at state-licensed dispensaries in U.S. states (and territories) where medical marijuana has been legalized. Here’s a general overview:
Some states as of 2023 that are legalized for recreational use are:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
Where can you buy medical marijuana?
- Dispensaries: These are storefront operations that sell medical marijuana products. They typically offer a variety of strains, including different types of flower, edibles, oils, tinctures, and other products. These establishments usually have knowledgeable staff that can assist patients in selecting the most appropriate strains or products for their conditions.
- Requirements: To buy medical marijuana at a dispensary, you typically need:
- A valid medical marijuana card or recommendation from a qualified physician.
- A government-issued ID to confirm you are of the required age and residency.
- Regulations: Each state has its own specific rules and regulations regarding:
- Who qualifies for a medical marijuana card.
- How much one can purchase at one time.
- The forms of marijuana that are available (e.g., some states may allow flower/bud, while others might only permit tinctures or edibles).
- The ailments or conditions that qualify for medical marijuana treatment.
- Safety and Quality Control: Many states require testing of medical marijuana products for potency and contaminants, ensuring that products are safe for consumption. Always ensure you’re purchasing from a licensed dispensary to guarantee product quality.
- State-specific: Not all states in the U.S. have legalized medical marijuana. In those that have, the process and requirements to get a medical marijuana card and the specific conditions that qualify for medical marijuana use vary.
New York’s Medical Marijuana Program and Its Impact
The department of health offers a medical marijuana program. As of July 2014, Governor Cuomo of New York signed the Compassionate Care Act into law.
This program monitors the sale of medical marijuana. And sees that it is dispensed properly to protect our public health and safety.
Medical marijuana helps with glaucoma, HIV, multiple sclerosis and the list goes on.
State medical marijuana has become more and more the saving grace for many of our clients.
However, always consult with your primary care physician or an internal medicine doctor before starting any new drug or remedy.
There are many dispensaries all across the U.S. Here are just a few random places you can go to:
- Columbia Care Dispensary in Riverhead, N.Y.
- Arrow Alternative Care Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Milford, C.T.
- REN Health | Dr. Alex Bibikau, MD – Medical Marijuana Doctor also in Milford, C.T.
- Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida, Summerfield, F.L.
What do the companies test for when buying life insurance?
There are many things that the carrier will test for during an exam. Besides tobacco and marijuana, they are also testing the following:
- Cholesterol
- LDL
- HDL
- HIV
- Triglycerides
And oftentimes during your exam, they may see health conditions or impairments that you were not even aware you had.
And depending on what shows, they may even request you see your physician for further consultations.
Marijuana And Policy Approval
Be completely honest with your Agent!!!
We know we just revealed to you precisely to what extent you have to refrain from smoking to escape with it on your medicinal exam. Yet once more, we need to pressure you, don’t deceive your insurance agency.
In the event that they discover you’ve deceived them and they decline your coverage. Moreover, rejection won’t happen from that organization, it will be challenging getting coverage from other carriers. Rejection is possible for most of them.
Ask your agent to guide you in finding the best marijuana-friendly companies.
On the off chance the carrier found out you deceived them, they will report you to the Medical Information Bureau, or MIB.
Think about the MIB sort of like your credit report.
Overall, you can’t simply default on a charge card and after that go and agree to accept another Visa without getting dinged for it.
Same goes for protection: you can’t distort yourself at one insurance agency and expect that alternate organizations won’t get some answers concerning it.
How Can I Get More Affordable Life Insurance After Marijuana Use
If you use marijuana and you’re looking for cheap term life insurance, there are several things you can do to improve your rates.
Of course, many of these include things that ANYONE can do to lower their rates, such as improving overall health with a healthy diet and regular exercise, losing weight, quitting tobacco products, etc.
However, as we touched on earlier, comparing life insurance quotes is the most important thing you can do as a marijuana smoker to find the most affordable life insurance prices.
For those that fall into the high-risk category, comparing companies is a must.
Marijuana, in particular, has many different opinions.
On a federal level, with so many brand new laws intact, some companies may be far more lenient towards marijuana smokers, while other buying life insurance, companies may still categorize them with cigarette smokers.
Hiring an independent agent can help you effectively shop around, and answer any of your questions.
Best Price!! Best Carrier!! GUARANTEED!!!
For more information on medical marijuana CLICK HERE.
Department of Health information CLICK HERE.
FAQ’s
1. Okay, so I enjoy some green now and then. Will life insurance folks give me a hard time?
Let’s break it down. Insurance peeps are all about playing it safe. If you’re lighting up, some might think, “Hmm, is that a risk?” But, times are changing! Not every company will give you the side-eye. The deal you get depends on the company, how often you’re enjoying your herb, and why you’re using it.
2. Are there chill insurance companies that don’t freak out over marijuana?
Totally! As the world gets more 420-friendly, some insurance companies are hopping on the bandwagon. Some might offer you a regular rate, while others might bump it up a bit. Pro tip: We know which carriers who are lenient. and we will find you the best option and rates!
3. What if I’m not just having fun, but I need it for health reasons?
If you’ve got a doctor’s note and you’re using weed for real-deal medical stuff, it changes the game a bit. But remember, it’s not only about the pot. The insurance folks will be curious about what you’re treating. Always lay all your cards on the table.
4. Do I have to spill the beans about my green habit?
Straight talk? Yep. If they ask, tell ’em. If they find out you’ve been keeping secrets (maybe through some health tests), it might backfire. No one likes surprises, especially not insurance folks.
5. If they find THC when they test me, is that game over for insurance?
Nah, not necessarily. If they see you’ve got THC floating around, it might make them scratch their heads. But it doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. Different companies play by different rules. Some are way more laid-back than others.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, securing the right life insurance as a marijuana user doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right information and guidance, you can find a policy tailored to your needs, ensuring peace of mind for you and security for your loved ones.
Don’t let uncertainties hold you back. Take the next step today and ensure a safe future for those you care about most.
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