Life Insurance And Thc: What You Need To Know

Marijuana use is becoming more common and widely accepted, with many US states legalising it for medical or recreational use. This has led to a growing number of cannabis users seeking life insurance. While it is possible for marijuana users to get life insurance, they may face higher premiums.

Life insurance companies often require applicants to take a medical exam, which includes blood and urine tests that detect THC levels. The presence of THC suggests heavier use, which can lead to higher premiums. However, occasional marijuana use may have minimal impact on premiums, especially if the user tests negative for THC.

The type of marijuana, delivery method, frequency of use, and type of cannabinoid can all influence how life insurance companies rate policies for marijuana users. Some companies categorise marijuana users as tobacco users, resulting in higher premiums. Others have distinct rating categories for marijuana or vape users. It is important to be honest about marijuana use on life insurance applications, as lying can result in denial or cancellation of coverage.

Marijuana use and health

Marijuana use can have a range of effects on a person's health, and these effects can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, frequency of use, and method of consumption. Here are some key considerations regarding marijuana use and health:

Mental Health

Marijuana use has been linked to various mental health issues. It can cause anxiety, fear, paranoia, and distorted thinking. It may also increase the risk of clinical depression and worsen existing mental disorders. There is also evidence of an association between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The risk of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders appears to be higher for those who start using marijuana at a young age, use it frequently, and for a long duration.

Physical Health

Marijuana can have several physical health implications. It can affect heart health by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and other vascular diseases. Marijuana smoke can irritate the lungs, causing respiratory issues similar to those seen in cigarette smokers. Marijuana use during pregnancy is linked to fetal growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with the baby's brain development. Additionally, marijuana can impair coordination and increase the risk of accidents, especially when driving.

Addiction

Marijuana use can lead to physical dependency and addiction. Approximately 1 in 10 marijuana users will become addicted, and the rate increases to 1 in 6 for those who start using before the age of 18.

Impact on Daily Life

Marijuana use has been associated with negative outcomes in daily life, including relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced life satisfaction.

How often do you use marijuana?

When applying for life insurance, you will likely be asked about your marijuana usage, including how often you use it. Your answer will help group you into a health class, such as super-preferred, preferred, or standard, which will determine your life insurance rate, along with your answers to other health and lifestyle questions.

Occasional marijuana users are sometimes defined as those who use the substance one to two times a month. However, each life insurance company decides on its own parameters for what constitutes "occasional" usage. Occasional users can sometimes qualify for non-smoking rates, which is important because getting classified as a smoker will result in higher life insurance quotes.

If you are a daily marijuana user, most companies will decline your application for life insurance. The companies that do insure daily users may classify them as tobacco smokers, which can be expensive since smoker premiums tend to be three to five times higher than non-smoker premiums.

Regardless of how often you use marijuana, it is important to be honest about your usage when applying for life insurance. Lying on a life insurance application can result in denial or cancellation of your coverage. If you are dishonest during the application process and the insurer discovers your marijuana usage later, the company could deny your loved ones' claim in the event of your death.

Medical vs. recreational use

Medical and recreational cannabis are two different legal terms applied to marijuana. They are not different types of weed. However, there are some key differences between the two classifications.

Intended Use

Medical marijuana is intended to be used as medicine by those with qualifying conditions. Recreational, or adult-use, marijuana is intended to be used by adults for pleasure or leisure.

Amount

The amount of cannabis that can be purchased will differ between medical and recreational users. Medical users will generally be able to purchase more than recreational users, although this depends on the state. For example, in Florida, a medical user can buy up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every 35 days, whereas in Arizona and Illinois, the limit is 2.5 ounces every 14 days. In contrast, recreational users can usually buy up to one ounce of cannabis and around 5–7 grams of concentrates or extracts per month.

Taxation

Medical marijuana patients tend to pay less in taxes on their cannabis purchases. Many states do not tax medicinal marijuana, and in states that do, the tax rates are typically low. On the other hand, recreational users often have to pay an excise tax on top of the regular state sales tax. They may also have to pay extra taxes added by the city or municipality they live in.

Age Requirements

To obtain a medical marijuana card, patients aged 18 and above must have a qualifying condition that has been verified by a doctor. Patients under 18 with a qualifying condition can obtain a card but must have a legal guardian register as a caregiver, who can then purchase cannabis on their behalf. For recreational cannabis, users must be 21 or over to buy from a dispensary.

Cultivation

Some states allow residents to grow their own cannabis plants for medical and recreational use, while others do not permit any form of marijuana consumption or cultivation. The laws and regulations around cultivation vary by state, and it is important to understand the specific regulations that apply in your state.

Effects

There is no difference in the effects of medicinal and recreational marijuana. The same strain of cannabis will have a unique effect on each individual, as everyone has a unique endocannabinoid system that reacts differently to certain cannabinoids and terpenes.

How marijuana is consumed

Marijuana can be consumed in a variety of ways, including smoking, vaporizing, eating, drinking, and even applying it to the skin. Here are some of the most common methods:

Smoking

Marijuana is often smoked using joints, blunts, bongs, or pipes. A joint is a rolled marijuana cigarette, while blunts are made from cigar wraps. Bongs and pipes can be made from glass, ceramic, or other materials and often use water or ice to cool the smoke. Smoking marijuana also includes local methods such as laying the cannabis on a fire and inhaling the smoke, which has been practised for thousands of years.

Vaporizing

Vaporizing involves heating herbal cannabis to a specific temperature range to evaporate the active ingredients without burning the plant material. This method releases fewer toxins compared to smoking and can be done using a desktop vaporizer, vape pen, or a portable vaporizer with pre-soaked wicks.

Edibles

Edibles refer to marijuana-infused foods such as "pot brownies," "space cakes," chocolates, and other baked goods. Marijuana butter or oil can be used in various recipes, from bread to pizza dough. The onset of effects from edibles is slower than smoking or vaporizing but typically lasts longer.

Beverages

Cannabis-infused beverages include teas, sodas, fruit juices, and coffees. THC-infused drinks are also available in K-cups for Keurig machines. Additionally, cannabis can be leached in high-proof spirits to create a "Green Dragon."

Topicals

Topical solutions such as salves, ointments, and CBD oils can be applied directly to the skin for transdermal absorption. These are commonly used for medicinal purposes to treat arthritis, sore muscles, and skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

How to address marijuana use on applications

How to address marijuana use on life insurance applications

When it comes to applying for life insurance, it's important to be honest about your marijuana use. While it may seem tempting to omit or downplay your usage, doing so could result in denied claims or even policy cancellation down the line. Instead, be upfront about your use, understand how it may impact your application, and take steps to find marijuana-friendly insurance companies that can offer you the best rates. Here are some key considerations:

Understand the impact of marijuana use on life insurance rates:

Marijuana use may affect your life insurance rates, depending on the insurance company and your usage patterns. Some companies may view marijuana use as a health risk, while others may be more lenient. Occasional use may have minimal impact on your premium, but frequent or heavy use could result in higher rates or even policy denial.

Be honest and transparent on your application:

Disclose your marijuana use, including the frequency, method of consumption, and whether it's for medical or recreational purposes. Remember that insurers can conduct medical exams, including blood and urine tests, which can detect THC. Lying on your application may result in denied claims or policy cancellation.

Work with an independent broker or agent:

Independent brokers have access to various insurers and can help match you with companies that are more lenient towards marijuana use. They can guide you through the application process and set proper expectations.

Shop around and compare rates:

Not all insurance companies have the same stance on marijuana use. By shopping around and comparing rates, you can find insurers that offer more competitive rates for marijuana users. Don't be afraid to ask about their policies regarding marijuana use before applying.

Take precautions before your medical exam:

If a medical exam is required, consider taking a break from marijuana use in the days leading up to the exam. Drink plenty of water to flush your system and maximize your physical performance. If your usage is medicinal, have relevant medical documents on hand.

Focus on finding marijuana-friendly companies:

Look for insurance companies that are known to be marijuana-friendly and have experience working with marijuana users. You can often find user recommendations online or ask your agent for suggestions. These companies may be more understanding of your usage and offer better rates.

Remember, the most important thing is to be honest and transparent throughout the application process. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of securing affordable coverage that meets your needs without putting yourself at risk for denied claims or policy issues in the future.

Frequently asked questions