Can pot smokers get life insurance?
Yes, pot smokers can qualify for life insurance, but coverage options, premiums, and underwriting rules vary depending on how often you use marijuana, whether it’s medical or recreational, and the insurance company’s policies.
Some insurers treat marijuana use like tobacco, charging higher rates, while others classify occasional cannabis use more leniently.
For the best outcome, be honest on your application, compare providers, and work with an agent experienced in cannabis-friendly life insurance.
Key details for quick understanding:
- Occasional marijuana use may still qualify you for non-smoker rates.
- Daily or heavy use often leads to higher premiums.
- Medical marijuana prescribed by a doctor is evaluated differently.
- Honesty is critical—lying on your application can void your policy.
How does life insurance work for pot smokers?
Life insurance companies don’t automatically decline marijuana users. Instead, they look at:
- Frequency of use – occasional vs. daily
- Purpose – recreational or medical
- Method – smoking, vaping, edibles, or oils
- Health history – mental health, respiratory, or heart conditions
- Other lifestyle factors – tobacco, alcohol, and drug use
Some insurers may rate you as a “tobacco user” if you smoke marijuana, leading to higher premiums. Others treat cannabis separately and may offer better rates.
What is the cost of life insurance for pot smokers?
Here’s a comparison of estimated monthly premiums for a 35-year-old male, $500,000 term policy, based on cannabis use:
| Usage Level | Typical Classification | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Non-user | Preferred Non-Smoker | $25–$30 |
| Occasional (1–2x/month) | Standard Non-Smoker | $30–$40 |
| Weekly use (edibles/vape) | Standard Smoker | $60–$90 |
| Daily smoking | Smoker / Substandard | $100–$200+ |
(Rates vary by insurer – always compare quotes.)
FAQs
1. Can you get life insurance if you smoke weed every day?
Yes, but expect higher rates. Daily marijuana smokers are usually classified as “smokers,” leading to premiums 2–3x higher than non-smokers.
2. What happens if I lie about marijuana use on my application?
If you hide cannabis use and die within the contestability period (usually 2 years), your claim could be denied. Always be upfront.
3. Does medical marijuana affect life insurance differently?
Yes. Insurers will ask about your underlying health condition. Sometimes it’s the medical condition—not marijuana—that impacts rates.
4. Do life insurance companies test for marijuana?
Many require a medical exam and urine/blood test. THC can stay in your system for weeks, so expect detection if you’ve used recently.
5. Which companies offer the best life insurance for marijuana users?
Some insurers are more cannabis-friendly than others. Working with an independent agent helps you find providers offering non-smoker rates for light use.
When does marijuana use affect your classification?
- Occasional recreational use: Often treated like alcohol use – minimal effect.
- Frequent use: May push you into smoker classification.
- Medical marijuana users: Underwriting considers both cannabis and the condition being treated.
Final Thoughts
Getting life insurance as a pot smoker is possible—and often more affordable than people think. The key is honesty, shopping around, and working with a broker who knows cannabis-friendly insurers.
Whether you use marijuana recreationally or medically, you can protect your family with the right coverage at the right price.
Also see: