Alyssa Lane
Marijuana use is becoming increasingly accepted in the United States, with 38 states approving it for medical use and 23 states for recreational use. As a result, many cannabis users are curious about how their habit might affect their life insurance. While it is possible for marijuana users to obtain life insurance, they may face higher premiums. This is because insurance companies consider marijuana users to be at a higher health risk, due to potential links between cannabis and psychiatric disorders, as well as other health problems. However, the impact on insurance rates depends on factors such as the frequency of use, the method of consumption, and whether the use is medical or recreational.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on life insurance | Marijuana use can affect life insurance rates, but it won't necessarily result in being denied coverage. |
| Insurance company stance | Insurance companies' stances vary, with some being lenient towards marijuana users and others classifying them as tobacco users, resulting in higher rates. |
| Type of marijuana use | Recreational use may be viewed as a warning sign of health risk, while medicinal use may be considered a health risk due to the underlying condition being treated. |
| Method of consumption | Smoking marijuana is generally considered less healthy than other methods such as edibles or vaping, and may result in higher insurance rates. |
| Frequency of use | Less frequent marijuana use may be considered a lower health risk, while more regular consumption may be viewed as a higher risk. |
| Type of cannabinoid | THC, the primary cannabinoid in marijuana, is mind-altering, while CBD is often used for anxiety reduction and muscle relaxation. |
| Application process | It is important to be honest about marijuana use during the application process. Lying or omitting information may result in denied claims or increased rates. |
| Medical examination | Some insurers may require a medical exam, including blood and urine tests, which can detect THC levels. |
What You'll Learn
Marijuana use and health
Marijuana use can have a variety of effects on both mental and physical health. The main psychoactive ingredient, THC, stimulates the part of the brain that responds to pleasure, which in turn releases dopamine, resulting in a euphoric, relaxed feeling.
However, not everyone's experience with marijuana is positive. It can cause anxiety, fear, paranoia, and, in high doses, psychosis. It can also distort your thinking, making your senses seem stronger, twisting your sense of time, impairing your motor skills, and lowering your inhibitions.
Marijuana can also affect your physical health. It can cause respiratory issues, such as coughing, wheezing, and phlegm, and increase your risk of respiratory infections. It can also harm your heart, making it work harder and increasing your chances of a heart attack or stroke.
Marijuana use during pregnancy is particularly harmful and has been linked to fetal growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development in the child. It can also be passed from mother to baby through breast milk.
Research has also shown a link between marijuana use and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and psychotic episodes. It is not yet known whether marijuana use causes these conditions or if there are other factors involved.
Overall, while marijuana may have some positive effects, such as inducing relaxation and easing pain, it is important to be aware of the potential negative consequences it can have on both mental and physical health.
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How marijuana is consumed
Marijuana can be consumed in a variety of ways. The most common methods are inhalation (smoking and vaporizing) and ingestion.
Smoking
Marijuana is often smoked with implements such as joints, blunts, bongs, and pipes. Commercial pipes are available, but some people use makeshift pipes. A joint is a rolled marijuana cigarette, which is the most commonly associated method with smoking marijuana. Bongs are also popular as they allow water or ice to be placed at the bottom to chill the smoke.
Vaporizing
Vaporizers heat herbal cannabis to 157–210 °C (315–410 °F), which turns the active ingredients into gas without burning the plant material. This releases fewer toxins than smoking. Vaporizers come in different forms, including desktop vaporizers, vape pens, and mods.
Ingestion
Marijuana can be ingested in many ways, including edibles, capsules, oils, beverages, and suppositories. Popular edible options include "pot brownies", "space cakes", chocolates, and brownies. THC and other cannabinoids are more efficiently absorbed when combined with butter and other lipids or dissolved in ethanol. Cannabis-infused drinks include tea, sodas, fruit juices, and coffees.
Topical Solutions
Salves and absorption through the skin (transdermal) are common in medical uses. CBD oils can be applied directly to the skin to relieve arthritis, sore muscles, and strained ligaments. They are also used in cosmetics to relieve skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
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The frequency of marijuana use
The amount of marijuana consumed also matters. Occasional use might not significantly impact premiums, but heavy or frequent use could result in higher rates. Life insurance companies may also differentiate between smoking marijuana and consuming it through edibles, oils, or vaporizers, generally viewing non-smoking methods more favourably.
When evaluating the frequency of marijuana use, life insurance underwriters take into account various individual factors, such as gender, age, overall health status, and lifestyle habits. They may request specific records, including driving records, prescription history, medical records, and even criminal background checks, to gain a comprehensive view of the applicant.
It is crucial to be honest about the frequency and method of marijuana use on life insurance applications. Misrepresenting or omitting information could result in a denied claim or increased premiums.
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The type of cannabinoid
THC, or delta-9-THC, is the primary psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. It induces effects associated with cannabis by binding to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain. CB1 receptors are predominantly found in the brain, specifically in the basal ganglia and the limbic system, including the hippocampus and striatum. THC is responsible for the "high" feeling associated with cannabis use.
On the other hand, CBD is only mildly psychotropic and has been shown to counteract the cognitive impairment linked to THC use. CBD has a low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors but acts as an indirect antagonist of cannabinoid agonists. It has been found to play a role in preventing short-term memory loss caused by THC. Additionally, CBD has potential anti-psychotic effects, although research in this area is limited.
Another cannabinoid that has gained attention is cannabinol (CBN). CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that acts as a partial agonist at both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It has a lower affinity for CB1 receptors compared to THC, requiring higher doses to experience its effects. CBN has been marketed as a sleep aid in recent years, but scientific evidence to support these claims is lacking.
The cannabis plant can exhibit wide variation in the quantity and type of cannabinoids it produces. Selective breeding has been employed to modify the cannabinoid profile, resulting in strains with different chemical compositions to suit specific purposes, such as fibre production, medicine, or recreational use.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body plays a crucial role in regulating various neural functions, including movement control, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, addictive behaviour, and pain modulation. Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, are naturally produced by the body and act as signalling molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors.
Synthetic cannabinoids are human-made molecules designed to mimic the effects of THC. They are valuable in research for understanding the relationship between cannabinoid structure and activity. However, when used recreationally, they pose significant health risks.
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How marijuana use is disclosed on insurance applications
Marijuana use is disclosed on insurance applications in a variety of ways, and insurers consider several factors when evaluating an applicant's marijuana use. Firstly, applicants will likely be asked about the frequency of their marijuana use, with some companies defining "occasional use" as once or twice a month. Additionally, insurers differentiate between smoking marijuana and consuming it through edibles, oils, or vaporizers, generally viewing non-smoking methods more favourably.
Another factor considered is the purpose of marijuana use. For recreational users, insurers may focus on the frequency and method of consumption, with daily use potentially leading to higher premiums or even a decline in coverage. For medicinal users, underwriters may focus more on the underlying health condition being treated. Insurers may also request specific records, such as driving records, prescription history, medical records, and criminal background checks, to gain a comprehensive view of the applicant.
It is important to note that lying or omitting information about marijuana use on an insurance application can have serious consequences. "Misrepresentations" can be considered fraud, and insurers may void the policy or deny claims if they discover dishonesty. Therefore, it is crucial to be truthful and provide accurate information during the application process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, marijuana use can impact life insurance rates. Insurance companies have their own rules for how marijuana use will affect rates. Some companies may categorise marijuana users as tobacco users, resulting in higher premiums. However, other companies use a more nuanced approach, considering factors such as frequency of use, method of consumption, and whether the use is medical or recreational.
It is important to inform your insurer about any changes in health or behaviours that can influence your health. Some life insurance policies include warranties where individuals guarantee that their application information is accurate. Failing to disclose marijuana use after obtaining a life insurance policy may result in consequences such as increased rates or denial of benefits for beneficiaries.
Some insurers may require individuals to undergo a medical exam, including blood and urine tests, which can reveal THC levels. If THC is found in the bloodstream and the individual did not disclose marijuana use, their application may be denied.
The best life insurance company depends on individual circumstances. It is recommended to shop around and consider factors such as customer satisfaction, financial strength ratings, and coverage options. Some companies, such as Brighthouse Financial and Lincoln Financial, offer competitive rates and flexible assessment of marijuana use.
The two main types of life insurance policies, term and whole life insurance, are generally available to marijuana users. However, eligibility and options will depend on personal factors such as health profile and details of marijuana use. Term life insurance is typically the most affordable option, while whole life insurance offers additional benefits such as lifelong coverage and a cash value account.
