A new study published in The International Journal of Drug Policy has revealed that states with legal medical cannabis have experienced significant reductions in health insurance premiums. The study, conducted by professors from Bowling Green State University, Illinois State University, and Eastern Michigan University, analyzed private health insurance financial data collected between 2010 and 2021 by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
According to the study’s findings, the most notable reductions in health insurance premiums were observed in states that had implemented medical cannabis laws seven years later. In these states, annual premiums were set at $1,662.70 in the seventh year, $1,541.80 in the eighth year, and $1,625.80 in the ninth year. The authors of the study stated that “although the effect does not begin until seven years post-medical cannabis law implementation, there is a significant and sizable reduction in health insurance premiums.”
The researchers also noted that these savings were appreciated not only by cannabis users but also by non-users in states with medical cannabis laws. This suggests that the benefits of lower health insurance premiums extend to a broader population.
It is important to mention that this study focused on individual market health insurance plans and did not examine employer-sponsored insurance. Additionally, it only analyzed data from states with medical cannabis laws and did not include data from states with both medical and adult-use cannabis laws.
The implementation of medical cannabis laws was found to lower individual-market health insurance premiums. In the United States, healthcare costs account for a substantial portion of household budgets, ranging from 16% to 34%. As healthcare costs continue to rise, this study’s findings suggest that households obtaining their health insurance on the individual market in states with medical cannabis laws can benefit from significantly lower premiums.
The study also highlighted that the impact on insurance rates varied depending on when a state enacted its medical cannabis law. Early-moving states continued to experience a decline in premiums for several years after enactment, while mid-adopting states saw a less pronounced impact on premiums. However, researchers noted that all states ultimately experienced a reduction in premiums.
Contrary to some claims that legalizing medical cannabis could lead to higher health insurance premiums, this study provides evidence to the contrary. The findings demonstrate that states with medical cannabis laws have actually seen reductions in premiums, benefiting both cannabis users and non-users alike.
Moreover, this study is part of a growing body of research that highlights various benefits associated with cannabis use. For instance, studies have shown that cannabis can help reduce symptoms or risks related to specific medical conditions. One study conducted in Illinois found that youths living in ZIP codes with medical cannabis dispensaries consumed less cannabis than those who did not live near such dispensaries.
Additionally, cannabis has been found to improve the quality of life for chronic pain patients and reduce their reliance on opioids. Studies from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry and Israel have shown that chronic pain patients who consume cannabis experience improved quality of life and decreased opioid use. Furthermore, research has indicated that cannabis legalization can lead to reduced demand for prescription drugs used to treat various conditions such as pain, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, psychosis, and seizures.
The positive effects of cannabis also extend to individuals suffering from epileptic seizures. A study found that whole-plant cannabis extracts significantly reduced seizures by 86%.
Furthermore, recent research suggests that cannabis users have a lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Other studies have indicated that cannabis consumption is associated with a decreased risk of liver disease, lower blood pressure levels, and reduced fatigue.
In conclusion, the study published in The International Journal of Drug Policy provides compelling evidence that states with legal medical cannabis laws have experienced substantial reductions in health insurance premiums. This finding challenges the assumption that legalizing medical cannabis would result in increased healthcare costs. Moreover, this study adds to the growing body of research demonstrating the potential benefits of cannabis use across various medical conditions. From reducing symptoms to improving quality of life and decreasing reliance on opioids, cannabis continues to show promise as a valuable therapeutic option.
