Some insurers require a life insurance medical exam, which typically includes a blood test and urine sample that screens for nicotine and drug use. That’s why it’s important to be honest in your life insurance application.
Those who ingest marijuana (such as edibles) as opposed to smoking can typically get non-smoking rates, but will likely face increased rates due to the marijuana use.

The goal for a marijuana user is to get non-smoker rates at a competitive price for the coverage amounts they need. Instant no-exam life insurance might fit the bill, but a no-exam policy won’t necessarily hide your pot use.
For example, no-exam insurers typically look at your prescription drug history and would see any medical marijuana use. They may also pull electronic health records and see signs of marijuana use.

CBD (cannabidiol) products such as edibles, creams and lotions that do not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) typically won’t affect life insurance rates. But if you are using CBD products to treat an underlying medical condition, such as anxiety, depression or pain, you could pay more for life insurance because of the condition itself.
If you have a serious health condition, you may want to speak with an independent insurance agent who specializes in impaired risk underwriting. An impaired risk specialist can help you find life insurance companies that can offer you the best rates.

If you smoke, vape, or ingest marijuana occasionally or daily for recreational or medical reasons, you might worry about how this will affect your ability to get life insurance. As marijuana use becomes more common, insurance companies are changing how they view marijuana users.
Applicants who use marijuana can now be honest on their life insurance applications and get approval for coverage. For some people, there might be a higher premium, but this is often because of the risk of smoking in general.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States, and its use will increase as its recreational use has become legal in some states.
While over 480 natural components are found within the cannabis plant, the two compounds responsible for almost all its effects include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main hallucinogenic agent cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have psychoactive effects.
Only a tiny portion of the consumed THC reaches the brain, where its effects are maximal in 15 – 30 minutes.
After 2 – 4 hours, the THC level in the brain falls below that necessary for psychoactivity. In modest doses, the temporary effects are similar to alcohol, as is the underwriting risk.
The main physiological risk from marijuana smoking is damage to the lungs.
There may be an increased mortality risk due to accidents, which is higher if marijuana is mixed with other psychoactive or sedative drugs.
Marijuana can be consumed in many different ways, including smoking or inhaling heated vapors without the actual burning of the marijuana; it may also be taken in a pill or oil form, included as an ingredient in some foods brewed into a beverage.
All of which are treated as marijuana use.

• Age of Applicant
• Purpose of usage, either medicinal or recreational use
• Frequency of use
• Date of last use
• Any treatments related to use
• Driving Record
• Criminal history
• Participation in Aviation or Avocation

Medical marijuana is cannabis generally taken under a physician’s direction. It may be prescribed in some states or obtained over the counter (OTC). Prescribed marijuana is considered a “compassionate use” to relieve pain, nausea, or anorexia due to cancer or AIDS.
It may also be prescribed for persistent muscle spasms associated with MS, severe nausea, seizures, glaucoma, or chronic pain (i.e., arthritis, migraine headaches).
When prescribed by or taken under the direction of a physician, any rating assessed will generally be based on the underlying condition, not the actual use of medicinal marijuana.
Life insurance coverage for those that consume medicinal marijuana will depend primarily on the medical condition, not the amount or frequency of marijuana consumed.

Underwriting depends on past and current use of marijuana, frequency of use, applicant’s age, and a urine test result.
• Recreational users under the age of 20 will typically be declined for life insurance.
• Recreational users, ages 21 and over with admission, with or without positive THC in their urine, will be considered for life insurance coverage. Marijuana usage should be less than seven times a week to be considered.
• Recreational users ages 21 and over without admission and positive for THC in their urine will automatically be declined for life insurance.
• Marijuana users can qualify for non-tobacco rates.
• Marijuana used up to 2 times a year can be rated as a preferred plus.
• Marijuana used up to 2 times a month can be rated as preferred.
• Marijuana used up to 4 days a week can be rated as standard.
• Marijuana used more than four days a week recreationally will be considered for a rating less than standard and is often seen as Substance Abuse.
• Medical use of Marijuana is rated differently than recreationally.
The current or past use of other drugs, including prescription medicines and illegal substances, will also be considered.
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