May 5, 2025 | MedLegalNews.com
As more states legalize recreational marijuana, a new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) offers fresh insights into how these laws are shaping workers’ compensation claims across the U.S.
Complex Effects on Claim Frequency and Cost
According to WCRI President and CEO Ramona Tanabe, marijuana use is steadily increasing. “Our study highlights the complex effects RMLs [Recreational Marijuana Laws] have on work injury risk and workers’ compensation claim costs,” Tanabe said. These insights, she added, are particularly useful for policymakers, insurers, medical providers, employers, and labor advocates.
Key Study Questions
The report, titled Impact of Recreational Marijuana Laws on Workers’ Compensation Benefits, investigates several critical questions:
- Do RMLs affect overall workers’ comp claim frequency?
- Are younger workers or those in physically demanding or safety-sensitive jobs impacted differently?
- What are the effects on per-claim medical payments and indemnity benefits?
- Have RMLs changed prescription drug use, including opioid prescriptions?
- How do these effects evolve over time?
State-Level Impacts and Policy Implications
Covering 31 states and over a decade of claim data (from October 2012 to March 2022), the study provides evidence that may guide ongoing debates. Topics include:
- Marijuana rescheduling
- Occupational treatment guidelines
- State-level THC regulations
- Marijuana taxation
The full report helps stakeholders better understand how legalization affects injury risks and benefits—and how these impacts may differ based on industry and workforce demographics.
🔎 Want to learn more or get the report?
Visit the WCRI website to explore or purchase the full study:
👉 WCRI: Impact of Recreational Marijuana Laws on Workers’ Compensation Benefits
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💡 Stay updated on how policy shifts impact workers’ comp. Follow MedLegalNews.com for ongoing coverage of marijuana law developments and insurance litigation trends.