More older adults are using marijuana today than at any time in the past. Some use it for medical reasons like pain, sleep, or appetite. Others use it now that it is legal in their state. If you use marijuana and are shopping for final expense insurance, you may wonder how it will affect your application.
The short answer is that marijuana use usually does not stop you from getting covered. But it can affect your rate class and your monthly premium. This guide explains how carriers look at marijuana, what they ask on the application, and how to get the best result.
Does marijuana use disqualify you?
For most people, no. Final expense insurance is designed for older adults with health issues, and it uses simplified underwriting. That means there is no medical exam and only a short list of health questions.
Marijuana use by itself is rarely a reason to be turned down. What matters more is:
- How often you use it
- Whether you smoke it or use edibles
- Whether it is tied to a health condition
- Whether you also use tobacco or nicotine
A person who uses an edible once in a while will be seen very differently than someone who smokes daily. Both can usually still find coverage.
Medical versus recreational use
Carriers care less about why you use marijuana and more about how you use it. A medical marijuana card does not automatically raise your rate. In fact, honest answers about a legal medical reason can sometimes work in your favor.
But the health condition behind the medical use matters. If you use marijuana to manage cancer pain or a serious illness, the underwriter will focus on that condition. The marijuana itself is a smaller part of the picture.
How marijuana affects your rate class
Life insurance carriers sort applicants into rate classes. Better classes get lower prices. When it comes to marijuana, there are two common paths.
The "smoker" rate class
Many carriers treat someone who smokes marijuana the same way they treat a cigarette smoker. This is because smoking anything can affect the lungs. If you land in the smoker class, you may pay 20% to 50% more than a non-smoker for the same coverage.
Some carriers only apply the smoker rate if you also use tobacco. Others apply it to marijuana smoke alone. This is why shopping around matters so much.
The "non-smoker" rate class
A growing number of carriers now offer non-smoker rates to marijuana users who do not use tobacco. This is especially true if you:
- Use edibles, oils, or tinctures instead of smoking
- Use marijuana only occasionally
- Have no serious lung or breathing problems
Because rules differ so much from one carrier to the next, two people with the same habits can get very different quotes. A licensed agent can help you find the carrier whose rules fit your situation best.
What the application will ask
Final expense applications are short, but they do ask about substance use. You may see questions like:
- Have you used marijuana in the past 12 months, or ever?
- How often do you use it?
- Do you smoke it or use another form?
- Do you use it for a medical condition?
Some applications group marijuana in with tobacco and nicotine. Others ask about it separately. Read each question carefully so you answer the right one.
Nicotine tests and marijuana
Most final expense policies do not require any lab test or urine sample. This is one reason they are popular with people who have health issues. So in most cases, no one is testing you for marijuana.
That said, a few simplified policies do a quick phone interview or check prescription and health records. If a medical marijuana prescription shows up, be ready to explain it. Honesty on the application protects your coverage.
Always answer honestly
It can be tempting to leave marijuana use off the application, especially if you think it will raise your price. Do not do this.
Every life insurance policy has a contestability period of about 2 years. During that time, the carrier can review your application if you pass away. If they find that you left out marijuana use or gave a false answer, they can:
- Reduce the death benefit
- Deny the claim entirely
- Refund only the premiums you paid
That is the exact opposite of what you want. The whole point of final expense insurance is to leave your family money for the funeral and final bills. A denied claim leaves them with nothing but a refund.
Telling the truth might cost a little more each month. But it makes sure the policy actually pays when your family needs it.
What about CBD?
CBD products that do not contain THC are usually treated differently than marijuana. Many carriers do not count hemp-based CBD as marijuana use at all, since it does not cause a high.
Still, it is smart to mention it if you are asked about supplements or medications. If your CBD is prescribed for a health condition, the underwriter may want to know about that condition. When in doubt, share the information and let the agent guide you.
Tips to get the best rate
If you use marijuana and want the lowest possible premium, these steps can help.
Switch to non-smoked forms if you can. Edibles, oils, and tinctures are more likely to earn a non-smoker rate. This is a health choice as much as a pricing one, so talk with your doctor first.
Be honest about how often you use it. Occasional use often gets better treatment than daily use. Do not overstate or understate your habits.
Separate marijuana from tobacco. If you have quit cigarettes, make that clear. Tobacco use almost always raises your rate, while marijuana alone may not.
Compare several carriers. This is the single most powerful step. Because each carrier writes its own rules, the price gap between them can be large. You want the one that views your habits most favorably.
Work with a licensed agent. An agent who sells for many carriers knows which ones are friendly to marijuana users. That saves you from guessing.
An example to show the difference
Say two 68-year-old women each want $10,000 in coverage. Neither uses tobacco. Both use marijuana a few times a week.
The first applies to a carrier that treats all marijuana smoke as smoking. She gets a smoker rate and pays a higher monthly premium.
The second, with help from an agent, applies to a carrier that offers non-smoker rates to marijuana users who do not use tobacco. She gets a non-smoker rate and pays noticeably less each month for the very same coverage.
Same person, same habits, different result. That is why the carrier you choose matters as much as your health.
The bottom line
Marijuana use, whether medical or recreational, rarely blocks you from getting final expense insurance. It may move you into a smoker rate with some carriers, but many others now offer non-smoker rates, especially if you do not use tobacco or you avoid smoking it.
The keys are to answer every question honestly, understand how your chosen carrier treats marijuana, and compare your options before you buy. A 2-year contestability period means honesty is not just the right thing to do, it is what keeps your policy safe.
If you use marijuana and are not sure where to start, you can request a free quote from a licensed agent who can match you with a carrier that fits your situation. A few minutes of comparison can mean lower premiums and a policy your family can count on.