Part of our guide: Impaired Risk Life Insurance Underwriting by Condition →
Many clients assume marijuana use means smoker rates. With the right carrier, recreational users can often get non-smoker rates, and occasional users may qualify for the best classes.
Key takeaways
- Some carriers offer non-smoker rate classes for recreational marijuana use, based mainly on frequency.
- Once a month or less may qualify for Preferred Plus Non-Smoker; up to three times a week may qualify for Preferred Non-Smoker.
- Medicinal use is underwritten based on the condition being treated, and some carriers require a prescription.
Occasional recreational marijuana use — once a month or less — may still qualify for Preferred Plus Non-Smoker.
Recreational use: frequency drives the rate class
With one carrier, potential rate classes for recreational marijuana use are:
- Once a month or less: may qualify for Preferred Plus Non-Smoker
- Up to three times a week: may qualify for Preferred Non-Smoker
- Four to six times a week, and no more than once a day: may qualify for Standard Non-Smoker
Guidelines differ widely between carriers, so the same client could be rated as a smoker elsewhere.
Medicinal use is different
Medicinal marijuana is underwritten based on the underlying condition being treated, not the marijuana itself. Some carriers require a valid prescription, particularly for daily use.
Tips for these cases
Encourage clients to answer frequency questions honestly and precisely; vague answers can lead to a less favorable class. Combined tobacco use or other substances will change the picture. Similar flexibility exists for occasional cigar and pipe use at some carriers.
Frequently asked questions
Do marijuana users pay smoker rates for life insurance?
Not necessarily. Several carriers offer non-smoker rates for recreational marijuana use depending on frequency.
What is the best rate class for occasional marijuana use?
With some carriers, use of once a month or less may qualify for Preferred Plus Non-Smoker.
How is medical marijuana underwritten?
Based on the condition being treated. Some carriers also require a valid prescription.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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