There was a time not long ago when marijuana was an illegal drug according to all federal and state laws.
In recent years, the general attitude around cannabis has changed tremendously, with eight states allowing recreational marijuana use: California, Colorado, Alaska, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Furthermore, there are currently 36 states and four territories that have legalized the use of medical marijuana.
The ever-changing nature of the cannabis industry as well as the regulations that surround it have created a sense of uncertainty how medical marijuana might affect your insurance policies.
Let’s discuss how insurance companies currently view medical marijuana and whether it influences eligibility and pricings.
Is There A Link Between Cannabis And Car Insurance Claims?
While research is still being done on this topic, one study revealed that the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Washington, Oregon, and Colorado was associated with a 3% higher incidence of car insurance claims related to traffic accidents.
This percentage was found by comparing the number of claims in these three states to the number of claims in surrounding states where marijuana had not been legalized.
This highly controversial topic still has a lot of mixed evidence and opinions, but either way, the consensus is that driving while impaired isn’t a good idea. Whether it’s alcohol or marijuana, operating a car while under the influence can lead to more car accidents.
Does Medical Marijuana Use Affect Car Insurance Rates And Eligibility?
The rising number of states legalizing marijuana use for both recreational and medical use poses some questions about how this can affect our insurance policies and other areas of our life as well. While medical marijuana has been FDA approved to treat various health conditions such as side effects of chemotherapy, chronic pain, and rheumatoid arthritis, you still should use this drug with caution while driving.
One of the ways we know for sure that medical marijuana use can affect your car insurance is if you are ever convicted of driving while under the influence of marijuana. If you are involved in an accident, this can become a bigger problem. Even if you are not seemingly impaired by medical marijuana use, you can still be convicted of driving under the influence if THC is found in your blood.
Since traces of THC can stay in your system for many weeks after using, it can be hard to figure out whether a person was truly impaired at the time of the accident. This is an obstacle that has been difficult for both law enforcement and medical marijuana patients.
Regardless of the circumstances, a DUI conviction is going to negatively affect your car insurance. Getting convicted of a DUI is serious business and will ultimately result in higher premiums and possible cancellation of your insurance coverage.
There still are no black and white answers when it comes to insurance coverage and medical marijuana use, but that doesn’t mean that insurance companies aren’t monitoring the data closely to assess risk. So far, medical marijuana use shouldn’t have an effect on your eligibility for coverage, but getting into a car accident while impaired can cost you.