A complete guide to life insurance for marijuana users
Recreational and medical marijuana users can get life insurance, but frequent users may pay more for coverage.
By
Tory CrowleyTory CrowleyAssociate Editor & Licensed Life Insurance AgentTory Crowley is an associate editor and a former licensed insurance agent at Policygenius. Previously, she worked directly with clients at Policygenius, advising nearly 3,000 of them on life insurance options. She has also worked at the Daily News and various nonprofit organizations.&Amanda ShihAmanda ShihEditor & Licensed Life Insurance ExpertAmanda Shih is a licensed life, disability, and health insurance expert and a former editor at Policygenius, where she covered life insurance and disability insurance. Her expertise has appeared in Slate, Lifehacker, Little Spoon, and J.D. Power.
Edited by
Antonio Ruiz-CamachoAntonio Ruiz-CamachoAssociate SEO Content DirectorAntonio helps lead our life insurance and disability insurance editorial team at Policygenius. Previously, he was a senior director of content at Bankrate and CreditCards.com, as well as a principal writer covering personal finance at CNET.
Using marijuana, either recreationally or medicinally, doesn’t disqualify you from being able to get a life insurance policy. If you do use marijuana products, how, why, and how much you use them will determine which insurance company will be able to give you the best rate.
Can you qualify for life insurance if you use marijuana?
Yes, you can qualify for life insurance if you use marijuana. Some insurance companies won’t count marijuana use against you at all. Other insurance companies will consider the method, reason for, and frequency of use to assess your eligibility for life insurance coverage.
How does marijuana use affect your health?
According to the CDC, [1] studies show that using marijuana is linked to increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and other vascular diseases. Most of these studies are based on the effects of smoking marijuana, as opposed to other forms.
A lack of research on the long-term health effects of marijuana use makes insurance companies cautious. As a result, not all insurance companies assess marijuana use the same way.
What types of life insurance are available if you use marijuana?
The most common types of life insurance policies — term and whole — are available to marijuana users but your eligibility and options will depend on your personal situation, health profile, and the details of your of marijuana use. Term life insurance usually offers better and more affordable options to most people, including marijuana users.
Speaking with a licensed insurance agent at Policygenius is the best way to compare life insurance quotes to determine what is best for you.
How does marijuana use affect your life insurance rates?
Using marijuana can affect your ability to get life insurance. The type of marijuana products you use, whether you use for recreational or medicinal purposes, and the frequency of use will determine your life insurance rates and eligibility.
Method
For the insurance companies that do consider marijuana usage when assessing your eligibility for life insurance coverage, one of the key variables they consider is the method you use to consume marijuana. If you vape, the insurance companies tend to rate this more harshly than other methods like if you ingest marijuana.
Reason
The insurance companies make a distinction between recreational and medicinal marijuana use. Medical marijuana is considered medication by most insurers and shouldn’t impact your ability to get a life insurance policy.
However, insurers will want to know about the medical condition you use medical marijuana to treat, and that might affect your ability to get insurance.
Frequency
Insurers often consider how frequently you use marijuana as well. Someone who uses marijuana daily will have different options compared to someone who uses it a few times per month or per year.
No matter how often you use marijuana, it’s important to be honest with the insurance agent you’re working with so they can make sure you’re applying with the company that will be best for you.
How much does life insurance cost for marijuana users?
Below you’ll find an estimate of how much life insurance costs if you’re a marijuana user.
20-year term life insurance rates for marijuana users
Age
Sex
Uses marijuana 1-2 times per year
Uses marijuana 3-4 times per month
Uses marijuana daily
25
Female
$21.49
$25.80
$67.93
Male
$25.50
$31.81
$80.11
35
Female
$27.68
$33.86
$86.74
Male
$34.72
$40.63
$97.81
45
Female
$43.20
$49.80
$111.03
Male
$54.38
$64.24
$144.21
55
Female
$84.29
$98.03
$150.92
Male
$114.64
$135.87
$222.69
Collapse table
Methodology: Average monthly estimated rates are calculated for male and female non-smokers in Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard and Substandard T2 & T3 health classifications, obtaining a 20-year $500,000 term life insurance policy. Life insurance rates for marijuana users are based on policies offered by Policygenius from Lincoln Financial, and may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies are available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 04/01/2023.
The best life insurance companies for marijuana users
Marijuana users can get affordable life insurance from several insurers. As long as you don’t work in the marijuana industry, you can get almost immediate coverage at a competitive price with a Brighthouse Financial or Lincoln Financial policy. Marijuana users typically get better pricing with these policies than they would buying life insurance from other companies.
Methodology: How we chose the best life insurance companies of 2023 for marijuana users
We don't get paid for our company reviews and use an extensive rubric of criteria covering policy details, price, financial confidence, third-party ratings, and customer experience to assign unbiased ratings out of five stars. Any recommendations we make are based on internal and external expert opinions and data from our Policygenius Price Index, which uses real-time rate data from leading life insurance companies to determine pricing trends.
Our ratings and reviews can help point you to an insurer you can rely on for your family’s financial protection, but the best life insurance company for you is dependent on multiple factors. A licensed agent at Policygenius can work with you through the application process so you’re getting coverage from the best insurer for your circumstances at the most competitive price.
[→ Read more about our reviews methodology here]
Best overall life insurance for marijuana users
2023 Policygenius award winner
Brighthouse Financial
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
5.0
AM Best rating
A.M. Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Brighthouse Financial offers competitive rates, comprehensive coverage, and application decisions in as little as 24 hours, making it a great choice for people who want to get life insurance coverage without having to take the medical exam.
Pros and cons
Pros
Extremely affordable
Instant-decision applications
Best-in-class no-med option
Cons
Traditional term life not available in CA, IL, LA, ME, or NY
Brighthouse SimplySelect — a coverage option offered exclusively through Policygenius that was named the best no-medical-exam life insurance by Forbes [2] — doesn’t require a medical exam to apply for life insurance.
Marijuana users can get coverage through Brighthouse Financial faster than with other insurers, and they’re asked no questions about their marijuana use on its application.
Best life insurance for daily marijuana users
2023 Policygenius award winner
Lincoln Financial
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.8
AM Best rating
A.M. Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Lincoln Financial offers a diverse array of life insurance policies, including competitive no-med and high-net-worth options.
Pros and cons
Pros
Affordable rates
Good for many existing health conditions, including depression, stroke, and heart conditions
Most insurers won’t offer daily marijuana users their most competitive rates, especially if they primarily smoke. That’s why Lincoln Financial’s progressive approach to marijuana use makes it a great fit for daily users. For people who use marijuana products daily, Lincoln Financial is almost always able to offer the most competitive rates of any carrier.
Best life insurance for occasional marijuana users
2023 Policygenius award winner
Corebridge Financial
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.6
AM Best rating
A.M. Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
30+ year terms
All 50 states
Why we chose it
With competitive pricing and a range of flexible term periods for its Select-a-Term product, Corebridge is a solid option for many life insurance shoppers.
Pros and cons
Pros
Competitive pricing for all ages
Favorable underwriting for people with heart conditions and diabetes
Good for current and recently pregnant people, including people with gestational diabetes
Cons
Not the best for people with mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression
Corebridge Financial is one of few insurers that treat infrequent marijuana users as non-smokers, but what sets them apart is its affordable rates, especially for young people. However, make sure to be truthful during the application process — even if you only use marijuana occasionally. If you test positive for THC after saying you don’t use marijuana your application could be declined.
Best life insurance for people who use medical marijuana
Corebridge Financial
Why we chose it
Many life insurance companies view medical marijuana differently than recreational marijuana. Your rates will usually depend on the health condition the marijuana was prescribed to treat. With that in mind, Corebridge Financial offers some of the most competitive rates for people with more common health conditions.
Ready to shop for life insurance for marijuana users?
What do life insurance companies consider when you apply?
Do life insurance companies test for marijuana?
Not all life insurance companies ask about marijuana use, but most do. If you take the life insurance medical exam, it includes blood and urine tests, which show THC levels. THC shows up in a blood test up to 36 hours after marijuana use and in a urine test after between three and 30 days, depending on the frequency of use.
What happens if you stop using marijuana?
In most cases, if you stop using marijuana after your life insurance policy has become active you can be eligible for reconsideration. Reconsideration is an option that allows you to ask your insurer to review your rates if your health improves or you quit smoking. With most insurance companies, you’ll be eligible for reconsideration after 12 months of not using any marijuana products.
Can your life insurance policy be canceled if you lie about your marijuana habits?
Lying or misrepresenting yourself during the life insurance application process can be considered insurance fraud and have consequences for you. You could be approved with a higher premium or be denied coverage altogether as a result.
Always be honest with the life insurance company about your marijuana use, even if you may not test positive for THC when you’re applying for a policy. There’s no reason to lie since you can still get an affordable policy if you smoke marijuana.
Other health concerns that can affect your life insurance
Certain pre-existing conditions and other health-related concerns can affect your life insurance options or costs. A Policygenius expert can help you find the right policy for your needs.
Does using marijuana impact my ability to get life insurance?
For some insurance companies, marijuana use will impact your eligibility for life insurance coverage and the rates you’re eligible for. Other insurance companies will not consider marijuana usage at all.
What happens if marijuana is found on my life insurance drug test?
If you didn’t disclose marijuana use but test positive for THC on your medical exam, it could impact the insurance company’s willingness to offer you coverage. It’s always best to be forthcoming and accurate with information you share on an insurance application.
How long do I have to be marijuana-free before the insurance companies consider me a non-user?
Once you’ve gone 12 months without using marijuana, most insurance companies will consider you a non-user.
How long do I have to stop using marijuana-adjacent products before the insurance companies consider me a non-user?
CBD products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC have no effect on your ability to get life insurance. Delta-8 THC, while legal in most states, is still viewed as a THC product and is treated the same way as traditional marijuana in states where marijuana is legal.
References
Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of oureditorial standards.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC is the nation’s leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public’s health.). "
Tory Crowley is an associate editor and a former licensed insurance agent at Policygenius. Previously, she worked directly with clients at Policygenius, advising nearly 3,000 of them on life insurance options. She has also worked at the Daily News and various nonprofit organizations.
Amanda Shih is a licensed life, disability, and health insurance expert and a former editor at Policygenius, where she covered life insurance and disability insurance. Her expertise has appeared in Slate, Lifehacker, Little Spoon, and J.D. Power.
Antonio helps lead our life insurance and disability insurance editorial team at Policygenius. Previously, he was a senior director of content at Bankrate and CreditCards.com, as well as a principal writer covering personal finance at CNET.
