WCRI Finds Increase in Frequency After States Allow Recreational Cannabis

Claim frequency increased by an average of 7.7% in states after the adoption of recreational cannabis laws, according to a new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute. WCRI also said in its study, “Impact of Recreational Marijuana Laws on Workers’ Compensation Benefits,” that per-claim medical payments declined, the number of prescriptions for pain medications decreased and there was no change in indemnity benefits or total claim duration, at least not in the early years after states moved to allow those 21 and older to use cannabis recreationally. As of 2024, ...