Marijuana use encompasses the consumption of cannabis in any form, including smoking, vaping, edibles, oils, or tinctures, for recreational or medical purposes. From an insurance perspective, marijuana use raises questions about respiratory health, mental health, driving safety, and interaction with other substances. While social acceptance and legalization have increased, carriers still treat marijuana use as a risk factor to varying degrees. Underwriting focuses on frequency, method of use, underlying diagnoses such as chronic pain or anxiety, and any history of substance abuse or legal issues.

In everyday practice, advisors address marijuana use when completing applications that ask specifically about cannabis. They encourage clients to distinguish between occasional social use, regular recreational patterns, and medically supervised use with a physician's recommendation. Underwriters may classify some marijuana users as non smokers if they use edibles only and have no other risk factors, whereas others may be rated as smokers or face surcharges for heavy use. Driving under the influence, workplace issues, or coexisting conditions such as depression can compound concerns. Advisors who understand carrier specific marijuana policies can route applications strategically and avoid surprises. They also emphasize that non disclosure is risky, as labs, prescription databases, and medical records may reveal use. By navigating marijuana use thoughtfully, producers support honest applications, appropriate risk assessment, and access to coverage in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.