AIG (American International Group), through its subsidiary Corebridge Financial (formerly AIG Life & Retirement), maintains specific underwriting guidelines regarding marijuana use. In 2026, the company evaluates applicants based on the frequency of consumption, the method of intake, the purpose of use—whether medicinal or recreational—and the presence of any underlying health conditions associated with the habit. Applicants are generally assessed on a case-by-case basis rather than through a blanket policy of denial or automatic “smoker” classification.
Understanding Life Insurance Underwriting and Marijuana
Life insurance underwriting is the process by which an insurer determines the risk an applicant poses. This assessment dictates whether a company will issue a policy and, crucially, how much the premiums will cost. Historically, insurers treated marijuana use as a high-risk activity, often categorizing users alongside tobacco smokers. However, as the legal and social landscape surrounding cannabis has shifted significantly across the United States, major carriers like AIG have refined their risk assessment models to better reflect modern data.
When you apply for a policy, the underwriting process involves a review of your medical records, a possible paramedical exam, and a detailed questionnaire. During this phase, AIG looks for evidence of marijuana use through both self-disclosure and laboratory testing. If you disclose your usage, the underwriter will distinguish between occasional recreational use and heavy, habitual consumption. The primary concern for the insurer is not necessarily the substance itself, but the potential long-term physiological and psychological impacts, as well as any correlated lifestyle choices that may influence life expectancy.
Distinguishing Between Medicinal and Recreational Use
A common misconception is that medicinal marijuana usage is automatically treated more leniently than recreational use. While medical necessity may provide context for why a person uses the substance, underwriters prioritize the underlying condition for which the marijuana was prescribed.
If you use marijuana to manage chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia, AIG will require documentation regarding the condition being treated. For instance, if an applicant uses cannabis to manage debilitating chronic pain, the underwriter must assess the severity of the pain, the prognosis for the condition, and whether the cannabis use is effectively stabilizing the patient or masking a worsening medical issue. In many cases, if the underlying condition is well-managed and non-terminal, moderate use does not necessarily preclude an applicant from obtaining favorable premium rates.
Conversely, recreational use is evaluated based on frequency and method. Daily or heavy recreational use may suggest a higher risk profile to underwriters, whereas occasional, social use—often defined as a few times per month—is frequently viewed as a low-risk behavior by modern underwriting standards.
The Role of Delivery Methods in Risk Assessment
The method of consumption is a critical variable in AIG’s underwriting assessment. Insurers are concerned with the health risks associated with different ingestion routes. Smoking, whether it is marijuana or tobacco, is generally viewed as a health risk due to the impact of inhaled combustion byproducts on respiratory and cardiovascular health.
- Inhalation (Smoking/Vaping): This is often viewed with higher scrutiny. Because these methods can impact pulmonary function, underwriters may correlate frequent inhalation with risks similar to nicotine usage, though the risk profile is usually distinct from tobacco due to differences in usage volume.
- Edibles and Oils: These methods avoid the respiratory risks associated with smoking. While they are still evaluated for frequency and potential dependency, they are generally viewed more favorably than inhalation-based methods.
Underwriters are trained to inquire about the specific habits of the applicant. Being transparent about your consumption method is essential, as medical exams often include toxicology screenings that will detect the presence of cannabinoids. Discrepancies between your application disclosure and your test results can lead to a denial of coverage or a permanent classification as a higher-risk category.
Comparison of Marijuana-Friendly Underwriting Factors
To determine your potential category, it helps to understand how underwriters group applicants. While specific internal guidelines are proprietary to AIG/Corebridge, the following table illustrates the general criteria used across the industry to categorize applicants who disclose marijuana use.
| Factor | Preferred/Standard Consideration | Rated/Substandard Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Occasional (social/monthly) | Daily or multiple times per day |
| Method | Edibles, tinctures, or oils | Frequent inhalation or smoking |
| Reason | Non-medical or minor wellness | Managing severe, unstable chronic illness |
| Medical History | No related secondary health issues | Evidence of substance abuse/dependency |
| Legal Compliance | Adherence to state regulations | History of legal complications/DUIs |
Why Transparency is the Best Strategy
Many applicants fear that disclosing marijuana use will lead to an immediate rejection. However, the modern reality is that obfuscation is far more dangerous to your application than the truth. AIG, like most major carriers, utilizes the Medical Information Bureau (MIB) and prescription drug databases to verify information. If you claim to be a non-user and a toxicology screen or a pharmacy record check reveals otherwise, you risk a "fraud" designation, which can make it nearly impossible to secure coverage with any reputable insurer in the future.
By disclosing your use, you provide the underwriter with the opportunity to evaluate you based on your holistic health profile. If you are an athlete, have a healthy body mass index, and have no other health red flags, your marijuana use may be categorized as a secondary factor that does not significantly raise your premium. The goal is to provide a complete picture of your health, emphasizing stability and controlled usage.
Potential Impacts on Premium Costs
Marijuana use can influence your "rate class." Most life insurance companies use a tiered system, such as Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard. If an insurer considers your marijuana use "high risk," they may shift you from a "Preferred" class to a "Standard" or even a "Rated" class.
- Standard Rates: You pay the base premium for your age and health profile.
- Rated (Table) Ratings: If the insurer identifies additional risk, they may add a "table rating," which is an additional percentage charge added to the base premium.
- Smoking Surcharges: It is important to note that many companies have decoupled marijuana from tobacco. You should verify if AIG considers you a "smoker" for insurance purposes. Being labeled a smoker significantly increases premiums, often by two to three times the cost of non-smoker rates. If you only use edibles, you should explicitly confirm with your agent that you are not being categorized as a tobacco/nicotine user.
Next Actions for Prospective Applicants
If you are currently looking for life insurance and are a marijuana user, you should take a methodical approach to your application.
- Work with an Independent Agent: Because underwriting guidelines change frequently and vary by carrier, an independent agent who has experience with "marijuana-friendly" companies is invaluable. They can perform a "pre-screen" or "informal inquiry" with AIG to get a feel for how they might rate you before submitting a formal, tracked application.
- Gather Your Medical Documentation: If you use marijuana for a specific medical condition, ensure you have records from your physician outlining the diagnosis, the treatment plan, and the effectiveness of the cannabis therapy.
- Prepare for the Exam: If your application requires a paramedical exam, be aware that you will be tested for THC. Do not attempt to "cleanse" your system immediately before the test, as this can often be detected in your blood work and lead to further suspicion. Honesty regarding the frequency of your usage is the most effective approach.
- Review the Definition of "Smoker": Before signing the final offer, confirm that your policy reflects "Non-Smoker" rates if you do not use tobacco. Ensuring this distinction is documented correctly can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AIG treat marijuana users the same as cigarette smokers? Generally, no. AIG does not automatically classify marijuana users as smokers. However, if you smoke marijuana frequently, the underwriter may treat it as a respiratory risk. The distinction between nicotine products and marijuana is standard in modern underwriting, provided the applicant is honest about their usage.
Will I be automatically declined if I test positive for THC? No. A positive test for THC is not an automatic declination. It is one data point in a broader evaluation. If you disclosed the use on your application, it will likely be used to determine your risk class. If you did not disclose it, the denial or the offer of a much higher premium is a consequence of the lack of transparency.
Can I get a "Preferred" rate if I consume marijuana? It is possible, though it depends on the frequency and the applicant’s overall health. If you are an occasional user with no other health issues, some insurers, including those with competitive guidelines like AIG's, may still offer top-tier rates. Much of this depends on your medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors.
Does state legality impact my insurance eligibility? While insurance underwriting is federal in scope, local legal status often influences the broader cultural and medical data available to actuaries. In states where cannabis is legal, there is more documented medical data available, which can sometimes lead to more predictable, and thus fairer, underwriting outcomes for the consumer.
Should I stop using marijuana before applying for a policy? You should not stop usage simply to "trick" an exam. Underwriters ask about your habits over the last 12 to 24 months. If you report that you have not used marijuana in the last year, but your medical records or lab results suggest otherwise, you jeopardize the entire application. Be consistent and honest about your current usage habits.
How does my profession affect how AIG views my marijuana use? Underwriters look for "lifestyle" risks. If your profession involves high-risk activities—such as working at heights or handling heavy machinery—and you use marijuana, the underwriter may be more concerned about potential impairment during work hours. As with all things in life insurance, transparency regarding your work and lifestyle is critical to securing an accurate risk assessment.
