Does Using Marijuana Affect Life Insurance Rates? Explore Our Complete Guide for 2025 + YouTube Video
When it comes to life insurance for marijuana users, people often wonder if their personal lifestyle choices could impact their
ability to secure coverage or affect the premiums they’ll pay. You’re not alone in being concerned.
The good news is that purchasing marijuana life insurance is not only a simple process, but depending on how much you smoke, there might be no increase in your premium at all.
By understanding how insurers assess the use of POT, you can position yourself to secure the best rates.
This guide will walk you through how insurance providers evaluate an application with the use of weed, the policies you should consider, how to get the very best rates, and why partnering with an independent agent can help you simplify things and save yourself quite a bit of money.
Marijuana-friendly life insurance companies are increasingly offering great rates and not issuing smokers rate classifications.
Table of Contents
Understanding Life Insurance for Marijuana Users
Marijuana use, whether for medical use or recreational purposes, typically won’t exclude you from qualifying for life insurance. However, the details of how your application is handled depend significantly on the insurance company you choose and the factors they weigh. These factors include:
Usage Frequency:
How often do you use marijuana? This is very important due to the effect of health conditions that will develop from heavy pot smoking.
Method of Consumption:
Do you smoke, vape, or use edibles such as brownies? Smoking POT can cause respiratory damage just like smoking tobacco products.
Purpose of Use:
Is it recreational or prescribed for a medical condition? If you use marijuana for medical purposes, what is the health condition you are using it for?
Your Overall Health History:
Are there any underlying medical conditions? Your health history is by far the most important factor when applying for life insurance.
For example, some insurers may associate smoking marijuana with smoking tobacco and categorize you as a “smoker,” leading to higher premiums. Others might be more lenient with occasional or medical use, offering standard or non-smoker rates.
How to Apply for Life Insurance for Marijuana Smokers: YouTube Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we are asked by marijuana users who are planning on applying for life insurance. Keep in mind that the answers to these questions will also be dependent on your health history.
Your overall health will be the most important factor that insurers will consider.
What Is Medical Marijuana All About?
Medical marijuana simply refers to the use of the marijuana plant (cannabis) to treat a disease or medical condition that is recommended by a medical professional such as your family doctor.
The chemical THC causes the user to feel the “high” effect. The other chemical is called Tetrahydrocannabinol which works as an anti-inflammatory drug and also provides an anti-anxiety effect.
Medical marijuana is used to treat chronic pain, symptoms of epilepsy, glaucoma, anxiety and PTSD among others.
Can I Get Life Insurance if I Smoke Weed?
Yes, you can buy life insurance with no problem. Your agent, or hopefully us, can help you find a life insurance company that will offer you the lowest rates.
This will require using an insurer that has very competitive rates for smokers. If your marijuana use is minimal, it is possible you will not be given a smoker rating at all.
Do Life Insurance Companies Test for Marijuana Use?
Yes, the life insurance company you apply with will test for the chemical THC in your blood and urine. This will be accomplished when you connect with your paramed nurse. There is no cost for the exam and it will only take about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Chemical THC can remain in your bloodstream for up to one month or even longer, depending on how often you use marijuana products. Make sure to apply with marijuana-friendly life insurance companies to get the best rates possible.
Do I Have to Pay Tobacco Rates if I Smoke Marijuana?
Depending on the carrier you apply with and also depending on how often you use marijuana, will determine the answer in getting a smoker rate or not.
If you don’t use tobacco products and you don’t use marijuana very often, you may receive a non-tobacco rate. This will be quickly be determined by the results of your paramed exam.
Do Insurers Charge the Same Rates for Marijuana as They Do Cigarettes?
If you receive a smoker rate after your application process has been completed, the cost factor will be the same if you smoke tobacco products or just marijuana products alike.
The smoker rate is also referred to as a tobacco rate. Heavy use of smoking marijuana can cause the same degree of lung damage as smoking cigarettes can.
Does the Way I Consume Marijuana Make a Difference?
Yes, your consumption method can make a difference. Smoking marijuana can cause lung and respiratory damage over time. For example, if you eat marijuana brownies or cookies, your habit will be much safer. Inhaling marijuana will always be the most life threatening way to go.
How Much Will My Life Insurance Cost?
Get up to date rates from the most competitive life insurance companies by simply using our website instant rate quoting system. You can get an exact rate quote if you are a heavy POT smoker by selecting a standard smoker class in the health class drop down menu.
If you rarely use marijuana, you can choose preferred non tobacco also found in the rate class menu. You will then be able to compare the best companies side-by-side.
Three Common Challenges for POT Smokers
1. Being Misclassified as a Smoker:
Many insurers automatically categorize marijuana smokers with tobacco smokers, which can significantly raise premiums. You may face this even if you use marijuana infrequently or through non-smoking methods, like eating marijuana brownies.
Getting the best marijuana life insurance is an easy process and is even getting more simple as the insurers are becoming more liberal towards its use. There are more life insurance options for marijuana users today than there were in the past few years.
2. Medical Marijuana and Pre-Existing Conditions:
When prescribed for medical conditions, your marijuana use may raise questions about your overall health. Insurers often focus more on the underlying medical issue than the marijuana use itself, and this can lead to higher rates if they perceive the condition as a high-risk factor.
3. Misrepresentation on Their Application:
Some applicants worry that being transparent about their marijuana use may hurt their chances of approval. However, withholding or misrepresenting information can result in denied claims or canceled policies down the line. Full disclosure is not just a legal requirement, but also a way to ensure lasting coverage.
By being informed and taking specific steps, these challenges can be navigated successfully. Over 7,000 people apply for life insurance for marijuana smokers in the United States every single month.
Sample Life Insurance Rates
Here’s a sample of competitive monthly rates for a 20-year term policy with a $250,000 death benefit for marijuana users. Rates are shown for both non-tobacco and tobacco user categories, broken down by gender and age.
These figures reflect current pricing trends from top-rated insurers and illustrate the significant difference between companies that offer non-tobacco rates to marijuana users and those that classify all marijuana use as tobacco use.
| Age | Male Non-Tobacco | Male Tobacco | Female Non-Tobacco | Female Tobacco |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | $14 | $46 | $12 | $25 |
| 35 | $16 | $46 | $14 | $30 |
| 40 | $27 | $104 | $18 | $35 |
| 45 | $32 | $144 | $20 | $50 |
| 50 | $48 | $208 | $35 | $75 |
| 55 | $62 | $208 | $50 | $110 |
How Marijuana Use Impacts Life Insurance Rates:
Marijuana use doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting life insurance, but it does affect your rates and which companies will offer you their best pricing. Here’s what you need to know:
Frequency matters:
Occasional users (once or twice a month) often qualify for non-tobacco rates with some insurers, while others will charge tobacco rates regardless of frequency.
How POT is used:
Smoking, vaping, or ingesting marijuana can impact how you’re classified. Most insurers are stricter with smokers and vapers, but some are more lenient if you only ingest marijuana.
Medical vs. recreational:
If you use marijuana for medical reasons, insurers will also consider your underlying health condition, which could affect your rate more than the marijuana use itself.
Honesty is key:
Always be upfront about your marijuana use. Each insurer has different guidelines, and an experienced agent can help you find the best fit for your situation.
In short: Some insurance companies treat marijuana users just like tobacco users, which can double or triple your rates. Others may offer you non-tobacco rates if your use is infrequent and you’re otherwise healthy. Working with an independent agent who understands the market can help you find the most competitive rates for your needs.
If you have questions or want a personalized quote, I’m here to help you navigate your options!
Marijuana-Friendly Life Insurance Companies
Here are some of the most marijuana-friendly life insurance companies and their approaches:
Lincoln Financial:
Known for being progressive, Lincoln Financial may offer non-tobacco rates-even Preferred Plus-for applicants who use marijuana occasionally (such as once a month) and Preferred rates for up to two times per week, depending on the applicant’s overall health and risk profile.
Corebridge Financial (formerly AIG):
Offers non-tobacco rates to infrequent marijuana users (typically up to a few times per month) and is also one of the best choices for those using marijuana for medical reasons, provided the underlying condition is well-controlled.
Prudential:
Recognized for its flexibility, Prudential often provides affordable rates for marijuana users and does not automatically assign tobacco rates for marijuana use alone.
Principal, SBLI, Transamerica, and Mutual of Omaha:
These carriers may offer non-smoker rates to applicants who use marijuana up to four times per month, but more frequent use could result in smoker rates or additional underwriting.
North American and Minnesota Life:
Both companies may offer non-tobacco rates to recreational users, with specific limits on frequency (for example, Minnesota Life allows up to 24 times per year for Preferred Non-Tobacco rates).
What Makes These Companies Stand Out?
Frequency and Method Matter:
Occasional users (once or twice a month) are most likely to qualify for non-tobacco rates. Daily users or those who smoke marijuana may face higher rates, but some companies (like Lincoln Financial) are more accommodating even for frequent users.
Medical vs. Recreational Use:
Companies like Corebridge Financial are especially good for those using marijuana medically, focusing more on the underlying health condition than the marijuana use itself.
Transparency and Honesty:
Regardless of the company, being upfront about your marijuana use is crucial. Each insurer has unique guidelines, so working with an experienced agent can help match you with the most favorable carrier for your situation.
Summary Table:
| Company | Marijuana Policy Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Financial | Non-tobacco rates for occasional/frequent users; case-by-case for daily use | Daily/occasional users |
| Corebridge (AIG) | Non-tobacco rates for infrequent use: strong for medical marijuana | Occasional/medical users |
| Prudential | Flexible underwriting and affordable rates for users | All marijuana users |
| Principal, SBLI, etc. | Non-smoker rates for up to 4x/month; more frequent use = smoker rates | Occasional users |
| North American | Non-tobacco rates for recreational users 21+ | Recreational users |
| Minnesota Life | Preferred non-tobacco for ≤24 uses/year | Light users |
Friendly Guidance:
If you use marijuana, you still have great options for affordable life insurance. The key is to apply with companies that take a modern, case-by-case approach rather than automatically charging tobacco rates.
Frequency of use, method of consumption, and your overall health all play a big role in how you’ll be rated. An independent agent who understands these differences can help you find the best fit and save you money.
How Can I Get the Lowest Rates Possible?
Securing favorable life insurance rates as a marijuana user doesn’t have to involve guesswork. By following these tips, you can position yourself for success:
1. Be Honest on Your Application:
Honesty is the best policy. Always disclose your marijuana use, including your frequency, method of use and purpose. Insurance providers routinely conduct medical exams that include blood and urine tests.
These tests may reveal THC levels, and any inconsistencies between your application and test results could jeopardize your approval or policy validity.
2. Partner with an Independent Agent:
Independent agents, otherwise known as brokers, work with multiple insurers, giving you access to a variety of options tailored to your unique situation. They have insider knowledge on which carriers are most lenient toward marijuana users and can help you negotiate lower rates.
A broker can provide you with marijuana life insurance quotes from all the most competitive insurers in a snap.
For example, if two companies offer similar policies but rate marijuana use differently, your agent can point you toward the one that saves you the most money.
3. Understand Your Usage Profile:
Insurers often classify applicants based on specific usage patterns:
Recreational Users:
If you use marijuana once a month or less, you’re often eligible for the best rates.
Moderate Users:
Weekly or daily use might raise premiums, but you could still qualify for competitive non-smoker rates with certain insurers.
Medical Marijuana Users:
While your health status determines most of your premium in this case, working with marijuana-friendly life insurance companies can still help minimize costs. What medical condition are you using medical marijuana to treat is an important question that will come up.
4. Life Insurance Companies Test for THC!
Always remember that Life insurance companies test for THC. Did you know that the chemical THC can remain in your system for up to 30 days?
If possible, avoid marijuana use for several weeks leading up to your exam to potentially qualify for better rates.
Answer all your questions honestly because the insurers will know if you’re not honest with them.
5. Compare Multiple Insurers:
Rate comparisons are crucial for marijuana users. Premiums can vary widely between insurers. Our free quoting tool simplifies this step, saving you time and effort.
Example: Joe, a medical marijuana user treating chronic pain, obtained quotes from three different insurers. While one offered smoker rates, another provided standard non-smoker premiums due to lenient policies for medical use. The savings were significant.
Working with an Independent Agent
Navigating the life insurance market as a marijuana user can feel confusing, but independent agents can make it simple for you. They’re not tied to a specific insurer, so their primary goal is to find you the lowest possible premiums.
They also stay updated on constantly evolving underwriting guidelines to ensure your options reflect the latest industry trends.
Working with an independent agent saves you time, provides clarity, and ensures you’re never overpaying for coverage based on outdated policies or unnecessary mistakes during the application process.
We specialize in helping marijuana users secure affordable, tailored made policies.
Need Assistance? We’re Here to Help You 7 Days a Week
Purchasing life insurance as a marijuana user is not complicated. With honesty, preparation, and the right support, you
can find a policy that protects your loved ones at very affordable rates.
Your family’s financial future is too important to leave to chance. Take control of the process today and secure the peace of mind that comes with tailored, affordable life insurance coverage. Call us at 708-334-6226 seven days a week.
All the best,
Jack Venturi
