So, you use marijuana—cool. Maybe it helps with sleep, pain, anxiety, or maybe it’s just something that chills you out after a long day. Whatever the reason, the idea of getting life insurance might seem like a hassle, or even impossible. But here’s the thing: using cannabis doesn’t automatically block you from getting covered. Not anymore.
The rules are changing, and insurance companies are catching up. What used to be a hard no is now more of a “tell us how often.” There’s still a bit of red tape, sure, but it’s not a dead end.
Let’s break it all down in plain English so it's easy to understand.
Yes, Insurance Companies Know People Use Marijuana
Life insurance is all about risk. Companies want to know how likely someone is to live a long time, because the longer you live, the longer they get to collect premiums. So they ask questions—lots of them. That’s just how it works.
And yes, they’ll ask about marijuana. But they’re not always asking to reject you. They just want the facts. How often do you use it? Is it medical or recreational? Are there any health issues tied to it?
In the past, even admitting to occasional use could throw your application into the “smoker” category, which meant higher rates. But that’s not the case with every insurer anymore. Some actually treat casual cannabis use as no big deal, especially when it’s legal where you live.
So, Which insurers allow cannabis use? You’ll want to check out companies that have updated their guidelines. Some treat moderate marijuana use almost like drinking a glass of wine—something that’s normal and not considered dangerous.
What They Really Care About
Here’s what really matters when you apply for life insurance:
- Your overall health: If you’re using marijuana but you’re in good shape, eat well, don’t have chronic illnesses, and get regular checkups, that’s a big plus.
- Frequency of use: Using it once or twice a month is seen differently than using it every day. The more often, the more they might look into it.
- Method of use: Smoking is still seen as a health risk—vaping and edibles can sometimes be treated differently.
- Why you use it: If it’s medical, insurance companies may want to know what condition it's treating. That’s not necessarily bad, but it adds another layer.
It’s not all black and white. Two people could both use cannabis and get totally different responses from insurance providers based on everything else going on in their lives.
Getting a Fair Rate Is Possible
Let’s be real—some companies still haven’t caught up. They’ll see “marijuana” and hit the brakes. But others? They’re more flexible. The key is applying to the right one.
This is why it’s super helpful to work with someone who knows which insurers are open-minded. They can point you toward providers who aren’t stuck in the past and who won’t judge you for using a legal product.
The difference can be huge. A smoker classification can make rates double or even triple. But if you find an insurer that puts you in a “non-smoker” category or treats cannabis like casual alcohol use, your monthly cost could be way more affordable.
What the Application Process Looks Like
It’s not all that different from a regular application. Here’s what usually happens:
- You answer some basic health questions. Be honest—hiding stuff usually backfires.
- You might take a medical exam. This depends on the company and the policy type.
- They may ask about your marijuana use. Just explain how often and why you use it.
If you’re honest and the rest of your health looks solid, you’ve got a good shot at approval. Even daily users get covered in some cases—though rates may be higher depending on the details.
And if you don’t get the rate you want? You can always try a different insurer. Just don’t assume one bad quote means you’re uninsurable.
Is There a Best Time to Apply?
Yes—and it’s sooner than you think. Rates are usually lower when you’re younger and in good health. Waiting too long, especially if health issues come up, can make things harder.
If you’re planning to apply and know you’ll test positive, that’s okay. Some companies don’t even test for THC, and the ones that do might not care unless it shows really high levels.
One thing to avoid is stopping marijuana use just for the application and then starting again right after. If the insurer finds out later, it could mess with your coverage. Always better to be upfront.
Don’t Let One Habit Hold You Back
There are lots of reasons to get life insurance. Maybe you have a family. Maybe you just want to leave something behind for someone you care about. Maybe it’s about peace of mind.
Whatever the reason, cannabis use doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker.
Sure, it adds a few extra questions. And yeah, some companies still have outdated policies. But many don’t. They get it. They know marijuana doesn’t mean someone’s irresponsible or unhealthy. It just means they use marijuana.
That alone shouldn’t stop anyone from getting covered. And in most cases, it doesn’t.
Here’s What to Remember
Using weed doesn’t lock you out of life insurance anymore. You can still get a good policy, even a great one, if you know where to look and how to answer the questions.
Be honest. Stay healthy. Ask for help finding the right insurer.
That’s it.
If this is something you’ve been putting off because of marijuana use, now’s the time to take another look. Getting life insurance is still totally possible—and smart—no matter what’s in your habits.
Let others know too. You never know who might need that little push to start looking into it.
