Life Insurance And Thc: Can It Cause Denial?

Marijuana users may be concerned about the impact of their cannabis consumption on their life insurance eligibility and premiums. While it is unlikely that a life insurance application will be denied outright due to THC usage, it is important to note that insurance companies treat marijuana users differently. Some insurers consider marijuana use an increased risk and may charge higher premiums or classify users as smokers, resulting in more expensive rates. Others may be more lenient, allowing near-daily usage without the smoker classification. The frequency, method of consumption, and reason for use all play a role in determining life insurance rates for marijuana users. Additionally, honesty is crucial when disclosing marijuana use, as lying on an application can lead to severe consequences, including denial or cancellation of coverage.

Lying about cannabis use on a life insurance application

As part of the life insurance underwriting process, you'll usually be required to take a medical exam, which includes blood and urine tests. These tests can detect THC, the main psychoactive chemical in marijuana, for days or even weeks. So, even if you abstain before your exam, it's unlikely you'll be able to hide your cannabis use. Insurers can also access your medical records, prescription history, and driving record, making it easy for them to catch you in a lie.

If you're found to have lied on your application, your insurer may raise your premiums or even contest your payout after your death. They could also cancel your insurance altogether. And if you're denied life insurance for lying on your application, that information is shared with other insurers, making it harder for you to get coverage in the future.

So, what should you do if you're a cannabis user looking for life insurance? Firstly, don't panic. Marijuana use doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting coverage. Be honest about your cannabis use on your application and shop around for insurers that cater to marijuana users. Some companies are much more lenient when it comes to cannabis use and allow for near-daily usage without classifying you as a smoker. You may also want to consider working with an independent insurance agent who can help you find the best policy for your needs.

Remember, the consequences of lying on your life insurance application far outweigh the benefits. It's always best to be truthful and find an insurer that's a good fit for your circumstances.

Medical marijuana users may face higher premiums due to underlying health issues

Insurers view medicinal marijuana as medication and usually do not let its usage impact your ability to get a life insurance policy. However, the underlying health issue that led to the usage of medicinal marijuana can affect the life insurance quotes you receive. Being honest about your marijuana usage is crucial when applying for life insurance. Misrepresenting yourself on the application can be considered fraud and may result in higher costs or even denial of the policy.

It is important to note that each insurer has its own guidelines for how cannabis use affects life insurance coverage and premiums. Some companies may offer better rates for daily marijuana users, while others may classify them as smokers, resulting in higher premiums. Working with an independent insurance agent who is familiar with different carriers' guidelines on marijuana use can be beneficial if you are concerned about the impact of your usage on your premium.

How often you use cannabis

The frequency of your cannabis use will be a factor in determining your life insurance rates. The more frequently you use cannabis, the higher your insurance rates are likely to be.

Insurers will want to know how often you use cannabis, and they will set their rates accordingly. Some insurers will rate you as a “smoker” if you use cannabis frequently, which can be very expensive. However, other insurers are more lenient and allow for near-daily usage without classifying you as a smoker.

If you use cannabis occasionally (one to two times a month), you may be able to qualify for non-smoking rates, depending on the company. Each life insurance company decides its own parameters for what counts as "occasional" use.

If you use cannabis daily, you will likely have fewer options and higher rates. Most companies will decline to insure daily users, but some companies do offer coverage for daily users at a higher rate.

It's important to be honest about your cannabis use when applying for life insurance. Lying on your application can be considered fraud and may result in your policy being cancelled or your beneficiaries receiving a lower payout.

How you consume cannabis

There are many ways to consume cannabis, each with its own pros, cons, and risks. Here are some of the most common methods:

Smoking

A common method of smoking marijuana is by rolling it into a joint using tobacco rolling papers. It can also be smoked in a pipe, a bong (a water pipe), or a blunt (a cigar that has been hollowed out and filled with marijuana). Marijuana can also be smoked in a bubbler (a mini bong), or a hookah (one of the oldest methods of smoking). Some users even make their own bongs and pipes out of household items like soda bottles, cans, and fruit.

Smoking marijuana can harm the lungs and may release carcinogenic substances, so it is not recommended for those with lung problems.

Vaping

Vaporizers heat marijuana to a point just below combustion, producing vapour that can be inhaled. Vaping is often preferred by people who want a more discreet method of consumption, as it produces less smell than smoking. However, research suggests that vaping may have similar negative effects on the lungs and body as smoking.

Edibles

Cannabis-infused foods and drinks, such as brownies, cookies, candies, and beverages, are commonly consumed for both medical and recreational purposes. Edibles typically take longer for the effects to be felt, so people may use more of the product, increasing the risk of negative health effects. It is also easier to accidentally consume too much cannabis when eating edibles, especially if they are homemade.

Tinctures

Tinctures are cannabis-infused alcohol or oils consumed in small amounts under the tongue, or added to food and drinks. This method delivers large amounts of THC to the body and is highly concentrated, highly potent, and fast-acting, so it is generally used for medical purposes.

Topicals

Topicals are cannabis-infused oils, balms, or lotions that are applied directly to the skin to help with muscle pain and soreness. They do not produce a high, so they are usually used for medicinal purposes only. However, it is possible to have a skin reaction to these products, especially if they contain fragrances or other additional ingredients.

Dabbing

Dabbing involves using a blowtorch to heat a glass pipe or bong, and then placing cannabis extracts (such as wax, shatter, or budder) into the pipe, creating vapour almost immediately. This method produces a stronger and quicker high than smoking, but it may carry a higher risk of serious mental health side effects.

Cannabis-related DUIs

Driving under the influence of marijuana is a criminal offence in many places, including California, where it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana and other drugs, whether they are legal or illegal. In California, driving conduct itself can be used as evidence of impairment, for example, if a driver is weaving extensively or running stop signs or red lights.

In Colorado, law enforcement officers are highly trained in roadside impairment evaluation and can determine impairment based on several techniques beyond the Standard Field Sobriety Test. A driver can be arrested due to observed impairment by a law enforcement officer, and toxicology samples to confirm impairment are collected post-arrest.

In terms of insurance, a history of DUIs can result in higher life insurance rates. However, this is not specific to cannabis-related DUIs, and it is unclear whether cannabis-related DUIs are treated differently from other DUIs. It is also worth noting that life insurance companies will often require a medical exam, which includes blood and urine tests that can detect THC levels.

Frequently asked questions