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Weed and Life Insurance: What to Expect (and Why You Still Have Options)
- mattmims
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
If you use weed and are shopping for life insurance, you’re not alone — and you’re not automatically disqualified.
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that any weed or marijuana use means higher rates, smoker pricing, or a declined application. In reality, life insurance companies today focus much more on how often you use weed and how you use it, rather than whether you use it at all.
This guide walks through what typically matters, what doesn’t, and how to approach the process with confidence.
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How Life Insurance Companies Actually Look at Weed Use
Life insurance underwriting has changed significantly over the last several years. Weed use is now evaluated more like alcohol use than cigarette smoking at many companies.
Underwriters usually look at:
How often weed is used
The method of use (edibles vs smoking or vaping)
Consistency and honesty on the application
Overall health (height, weight, medical history, labs if required)
Weed use is rarely judged in isolation. It’s one piece of the full picture.
Weed Use Frequency and Life Insurance Rates
How often weed is used is usually the biggest factor in pricing. The chart below shows how weed use is typically viewed across major U.S. life insurance companies today.
Weed Use Frequency vs Typical Life Insurance Outcome
How often weed is used | What usually happens | Helpful context |
A few times per year | Preferred Plus or best non-smoker rates are often possible | Assuming overall health is strong |
About once per month | Preferred non-smoker rates are commonly available | Honesty and consistency matter |
A few times per month | Standard non-smoker rates are very common | Some people still qualify for better rates |
Several times per week | Standard rates or mild table ratings may apply | Method of use becomes more important |
Daily use | Reviewed individually; approval is often. | Age, health, and method guide the outcome |
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What this means:
Weed use alone rarely determines the result. Frequency helps shape the outcome, but it does not automatically disqualify someone from good coverage.
Does the Way You Use Weed Matter?
Yes — how weed is used can influence whether someone is treated as a smoker or non-smoker.
Method of Weed (THC) Use and How Insurers Usually Classify It
Method of weed use | How insurers usually view it | Why this matters |
Edibles, gummies, tinctures | Often considered non-smoker | Ingested weed is commonly underwritten more favorably |
Smoked flower | Sometimes treated as smoker | Inhalation increases underwriting caution |
Vaping or dab pens | More likely treated as smoker | Aerosolized THC is often priced more conservatively |
Mixed methods | Based on the most frequent method | Using edibles only can improve outcomes |
Will I Be Tested for Weed or THC?
Not everyone is tested. Many applications rely on disclosure, especially for moderate coverage amounts.
When THC Testing Is More Likely
Situation | Likelihood of THC testing | What to know |
Lower coverage amounts | Less likely | Full disclosure often avoids extra testing |
Higher coverage amounts | More likely | Labs become common as coverage increases |
Clear, consistent answers | Less likely | Honest applications move faster |
Inconsistent information | More likely | Testing may be ordered to confirm details |
Being upfront about weed use usually makes the process smoother, not harder.
Daily Weed Use: Is Life Insurance Still Possible?
Yes — daily weed use does not automatically mean a decline.
Some major carriers will still consider daily weed users on a case-by-case basis, especially when:
Use is disclosed clearly
Non-smoked methods are used
Overall health is solid
For example, companies like Lincoln Financial are often more flexible with regular or daily weed use than people expect. Outcomes still vary, but daily weed use alone does not mean life insurance is off the table.
Why the Right Application Strategy Matters
Two people with identical weed habits can receive very different outcomes — simply because they applied to different companies first or structured their application differently.
Applying without a strategy can lead to:
Unnecessary lab testing
Higher rates than needed
Application history issues
Working with a broker who understands weed and marijuana underwriting helps:
Match you with the most appropriate carriers
Avoid avoidable testing
Apply once, correctly, and confidently
A Reassuring Bottom Line
If you use weed — occasionally, regularly, or even daily — you likely still have life insurance options.
What matters most is:
Frequency, not stigma
Method of use
Clear, honest disclosure
Choosing the right company
With the right approach, many weed users are approved every day at non-smoker or near non-smoker rates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weed and Life Insurance
Can I get life insurance if I use weed?
Yes. Most people who use weed can still qualify for life insurance. Occasional and moderate use is often approved at non-smoker rates, especially when overall health is good and use is disclosed honestly.
Does weed automatically make me a smoker for life insurance?
No. Weed use does not automatically make you a smoker. Many insurers treat weed differently than cigarettes, especially when use is infrequent or limited to edibles. Smoking or vaping weed can increase the chance of smoker pricing, but it’s not guaranteed.
How often can I use weed and still get non-smoker rates?
Many people who use weed occasionally — such as once a month or a few times per month — still qualify for non-smoker rates. Even more frequent use may still be approved as non-smoker depending on the carrier, method of use, and overall health.
Is daily weed use an automatic decline?
No. Daily weed use does not automatically result in a decline. Some insurance companies will still consider daily users on a case-by-case basis. Method of use, age, health, and honest disclosure all play a role in the final decision.
Are edibles treated differently than smoking weed?
Yes. Edibles, gummies, and other ingestible forms of weed are often underwritten more favorably than smoking or vaping. Inhaled weed is more likely to trigger smoker-style pricing at some companies.
Will life insurance companies test me for weed or THC?
Not always. Many applications rely on disclosure, especially for lower or moderate coverage amounts. THC testing becomes more common with higher coverage amounts or if underwriting finds inconsistencies in the application.
What happens if I don’t disclose my weed use?
Failing to disclose weed use can cause serious problems. If a THC test comes back positive after saying “no,” the application can be declined or rated more harshly. Honest disclosure usually leads to better outcomes and fewer surprises.
Does legal or medical weed make a difference?
Legal status alone usually does not change underwriting. Insurers focus more on frequency, method of use, and health. Medical marijuana is still evaluated based on how often and how it’s used, not just the prescription.
Can I apply for life insurance and just stop using weed beforehand?
Stopping temporarily doesn’t always help. THC can stay in the body for weeks, and insurers care more about habit patterns than short-term changes. Being honest about current use is usually the better strategy.
Does weed affect term life insurance and whole life insurance the same way?
Generally, yes. Weed is underwritten similarly across term, whole life, and universal life policies. The difference is that higher face amounts — which are more common with permanent policies — may increase the chance of labs.
Why does working with the right broker matter if I use weed?
Not all insurance companies treat weed the same way. Choosing the wrong carrier first can lead to worse pricing or unnecessary testing. A broker familiar with weed underwriting can help match you with companies that best fit your situation.
What’s the biggest mistake weed users make when applying?
The biggest mistake is assuming they’ll be declined and either not applying at all or trying to hide use. Most weed users are surprised by how reasonable the outcomes can be when the application is handled correctly.
Matt Mims
Founder of LifeStein.com
(888)-612-7935 (call)
(601)-218-7854 (text)