As more states adopt recreational marijuana laws (RMLs), this new study examines changes in workers’ compensation claim frequency and outcomes such as per-claim medical payments, indemnity benefits, temporary disability duration, and prescription drug utilization and costs.

This research is important as marijuana use continues to rise. Our study highlights the complex effects RMLs have on work injury risk and workers’ compensation claim costs.

The study’s findings can inform debates on issues such as marijuana rescheduling, occupational treatment guidelines, state THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) regulations, or marijuana taxes. The analysis covers 31 states, using data from workers’ compensation claims filed between October 2012 and March 2022.

Impact of Recreational Marijuana Laws on Workers’ Compensation Benefits. Vennela Thumula, Johanna Catherine MacLean, David Powell, and Sebastian Negrusa. April 2025. WC-25-21.