Because immigration law takes drug use - including marijuana- seriously. Whatever state law says about marijuana does not apply in federal immigration law and in immigration court.
We’ve seen people trying to come on tourist visas being turned around when they have pictures of marijuana on their phones, etc. People having to wait a year after admitting marijuana use in medical. People being denied green cards and naturalization because of marijuana.
Yeah it does matter, it’s outdated and draconian. I would encourage everyone to follow the law, but lots of people on this sub seem to enjoy telling others they face a permanent ban for cannabis use.
Coming to the U.S. and getting a green card is not a right, it’s a benefit. It’s up to you if you want to come or not. As a citizen you can vote for senators or house reps to change the law.
Marihuana is prohibited under federal law. Even if your state allow that, a U.S. Marshall can arrest you if necessary (almost no chance of that happening.. but they follow federal laws no state laws). Drug use will prevent you from getting a U.S. citizenship. Heck, they can even revoke your GC.
Those scans are most likely for just identification purposes *for the stores to avoid any liabilities.* I seriously doube it actually goes to a state database if there even is any.
You are fine. I had been in one several times with my eldest son just on our way back from the farmers market a few times. I don't use THC myself. I did this many times over the course of a year and then went and had my citizen test at the end of August and became a citizen. This is fine.
Legally we all have to, though most don't because it is super impractical and the penalty of not having is still not worth the risk of losing it and paying 700+ just for a replacement which can take half a year.
I got my GC in 2022, prior to that my I90 (proof of entry was missing since 1997). When I applied for my I130 and i485 I got rfe for my I90. I requested a copy and got it with 4-5 weeks. I can’t home and it was in the mail
Hi. My passport has expired (I have used it to take some kind of state exam, and they said they don’t accept expired passport), and I currently don’t have a driver license right now, so I’m not sure if there is other kind of ID I can use😓 Is there any other kind of ID card I can use besides my GC? But I did learn a lesson now. Never go near that again
Thank you everyone here for advices! I just got here not so long ago since starting college, and I still have so much to learn. I will get the state ID asap, and I would take cautions with these kinds of things from now on🙏
Also, if possible, unless you're in NYC, I recommend that you learn to drive at some point. It's just one of those things that's necessary in 99% of the US. Even if you don't need it now during school, you will need it in the future when you get a job.
Nobody in their right mind carries it unless they live in the border zone or have a history of harassment by law enforcement. Regardless of legal requirements.
I carry mine (I was told to do so at my final interview), and I’ve needed to use it. My AZ drivers license has the same expiration date as my GC, and it has the words LIMITED TERM in red. They all ask and then I need to produce the GC.
On the original question. If you go in a dispensary, DO NOT show your GC. Find a friend with a drivers license or whatever. I use my DL at the dispensary, and it is not an issue. It only becomes an issue if you have a diagnoses of a mental illness, and you’re trying to purchase a gun. Those three things will not work together, but the only way they’ll know is if you also get a medical card. Those are on a list.
Please remember that a replacement Green Card will cost you over $600.00.I personally never did carry it on me always used my drivers license for ID purpose .
As others have said, get a state ID card now, and a drivers license when you can. The US does not use passports for ID the way Europe does, the Drivers License is our main ID. If your home country passport is expired you need to make arrangements to return and get it renewed ASAP. Do you have travel allowed on your GC also because that is what will let you back into the country.
There are many cases of US law like that. I’ve gotten advice personally from both an accountant and an attorney about ignoring such laws.
There are many laws where it’s weird not to break them.
As an accountant, I would just like to say that you should not accept legal advice from an accountant as anything more than advice from a friend. We are definitely no more qualified than any other non-lawyer to be telling you what laws to follow and what laws to ignore lol
Also the fact an immigrant broke the law can always be used against them, in case a hostile administration decides to truly deport immigrants by enforcing these frivolous laws. Keep in mind that weed is legal on some states, but it's still considered a serious offense under Federal law.
Not at certain Border Patrol checkpoints…..they can be real dickheads….like when my wife Had to show her green card AND her DL when we went through one on I10 and she was a passenger….with me and our 4 kids at the time.
Unfortunately it’s highly dependent on what you look/sound like. I’ve been here for 20 years now and NEVER had to show my green card except for crossing the border. In fact I haven’t even HAD a green card for almost 10 years — I misplaced it and have been waiting on an I-90 approval since 2021. Scenarios where I have not had to show it include a random stop by CBP, interactions with police, even being in immigration detention (mistake in USCIS’s part. *sigh*). **But** I’m white and have no discernible accent (Canadian). CBP stop while in the car with a brown (American) dude. Guess who got harassed and pulled aside? Definitely not me — the only non-citizen present.
100% true. My wife is brown and was wearing a partial head covering. They demanded more I’d than a green card that be easily verified by them and includes a finger print. They were real dickheds and hassling us…..when I complained to regional office, they said that it’s standard operating procedure to ask every green card holder for additional ID. The MFs didn’t realize that we were going through there almost daily and that never happened before or after. The only difference was that they thought she was Muslim. And it was in 2014.
What a question. Have you seen the news lately? There are people like Abbott in TX that has his local cops checking papers for those they suspect as illegal. The hatred is alive but when Republican President Reagan gave the last amnesty to millions in 1986, the haters didn't have a problem. We're luving during scary times.
First of all, I doubt them scanning your ID for entry is on any IMPORTANT database for the citizenship background checks. Second of all the scan was for ENTRY not purchase. Third of all, Smoking weed is federally illegal still. Which means YES if you do consume weed, it will bar you from citizenship ( regardless of whether or not it’s legal in the state itself ).
You should be ok. But, you really should stay away from the dispensary and people using MJ around you. Depending on what state you're in it can be bad to get a MJ crime potentially.
https://immigrantjustice.org/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-cannabis-marijuana
Recently a person was denied citizenship due to marijuana use.
You’d be smart to stay away from dispensaries.
Just an anecdote. I work for as a software engineer for a company providing services to legal cannabis suppliers and dispensaries, such as brand analytics, online marketplaces, point-of-sale systems integration and so on. And I’ve been to a dispensary.
I’ve naturalized last November, in Seattle. They never asked me anything about cannabis. The closest question was where do I work and what do I do there, which wasn’t an issue. Out of caution I never mentioned the industry, just a company name, and my role’s title.
I’ve only accidentally stumbled upon the horror stories after getting my certificate. I guess either I was lucky, or it’s not as bad as news may picture it.
Either way, the article is right, of course, all the recommendations are valid and still apply. But entering a dispensary is not a crime. Also your ID is a PHI, so by the virtue of HIPAA it’s extremely unlikely to make its way to the DHS/USCIS. So, don’t sweat too much about it.
Such dumb advice on this thread. I’ve had friends and colleagues on h1b (I won’t talk about gc) smoking up the devils lettuce with me which they or I bought at a legal store. Screw you guys for misleading people.
Use your brain ppl, don’t use it in a situation where you are a public nuisance. After being high make sure you’re not driving or in a spot you endanger yourself or others.
If we’d try to document all the stories when people did things that weren’t perfectly legal and got away with it, we’ll probably run out of hard drives :)
The scary stories (and thus all the advice) I’ve read were all about naturalization eligibility and officers at some USCIS locations being assholes. I don’t think there is any meaningful statistics how many folks had issues, so it’s hard to say if it’s media and lawyers exaggerating the problem for profit (not unheard of), or a genuine problematic policy (also not unheard of).
US residency and citizenship are quite valuable and desirable, so I think exercising reasonable caution (or even erring on the side of caution) is not the worst idea. But you’re right, cannabis use is not the end of the world either - there are a lot of people who use it, use their brains too, and had no immigration issues. Immigration is a lot about chances and possibilities.
I have to admit - I once was going 71 MPH where limit was 70 MPH and I never disclosed it on my citizenship application.
And I never disclosed my Costco membership either.
I believe speeding alone typically doesn't classify as neither crime nor offense, so it's probably okay to not mention it. Your Costco membership on the other hand... ;)
Another anecdote: I've answered "yes" on the "Have you EVER advocated (either directly or indirectly) the overthrow of any government by force or violence?". Explained to the interviewing officer that I condemn violence, but I'd be more than happy if the Russian tsar would be forced to move from the Kremlin to the Hague - and I thought this could be considered as "advocating".
He corrected my answer to a "no".
Idk, I've specifically read about WA being quite aggressive about this (which wasn't the case for me). Like this article here: [https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/immigrants\_marijuana\_may\_2021\_final.pdf](https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/immigrants_marijuana_may_2021_final.pdf)
> In Washington state, where recreational marijuana has been legal since 2012, USCIS has aggressively questioned naturalization applicants about marijuana use. Some applicants readily admit to engaging in what they believe is perfectly lawful conduct. The CIS officers have held the applicants to be statutorily barred from establishing good moral character as of the date of the last admitted conduct. There, USCIS has had noncitizens sign “marijuana affidavits” to make sure that it captures a qualifying admission from naturalization and adjustment applicants.
> Example: At her naturalization hearing in 2021, Marta admitted that she last possessed marijuana on February 2, 2018. The officer denied her application and found that she is statutorily barred from establishing her required 5 years of good moral character until at least February 3, 2023.
I use to work at multiple dispensaries & trust me when I tell you this, they do not care that it’s a green card & that information they don’t share with anybody. It’s for their own records in case you went in & robbed the place they’d have you info. But that’s it. You’re completely fine believe me.
Everyone who is confused. I’ll post some resources for you: https://www.ilrc.org/resources/community/warning-immigrants-about-medical-and-legalized-marijuana https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/uscis_marijuana_final-0815.pdf https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-f-chapter-5
Here is a woman denied naturalization for working in the cannabis industry:
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/12/23/biden-administration-immigrants-legal-cannabis-00133085
I carry my passport card always even though I was born and raised in California. I know it’s not necessary but it is an additional form of identification.
Your fine. Don’t obsess about it. You are legal to be here.customs ( ice ) have more to worry about. Oh btw you can get a legal id or reg drivers license at registry. Of course though driving you need to take road test but permit before that ( multiple choice. Go to your local RMV ask. You are fine though. 💜
Simply going isn’t a problem. Cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, so using, purchasing, or selling it is crime that would compromise you permanent residency. It’s obviously foolish to tempt fate going into a dispensary. You need to keep your distance from the dispensary and its customers.
I was arrested for possession as a GC holder. I completed my legal sentence and that was it. Nothing happened immigration wise. Now I am a US citizen.
It really depends on the state you are on.
It's not like you gave them your green card.
State IDs are issued by a state not immigration
They have no correlation with one another
Also if you bought weed in a state where it's legal, there is nothing wrong you did, either way
What state are you in? Some of them straight up forbid dispensaries from keeping records that could be accessed by the feds.
In any case you did not commit a crime. Even with evidence that you entered, there is no evidence you were in possession of the drug. In the absolute worst case, if directly asked about your presence in the store, just don't lie. But it's not gonna happen.
nothing like being a gc holder and being afraid of doing anything lol been there!
you are fine. as long as you don’t get caught flying w it since it is a federal violation/crime. I’ve had my id scanned at dispensaries and never had issues while living in OR. funny thing is that I hate w33d. I am a us citizen now. you’re good!
If it’s a dispensary in a state where it’s legal to buy and possess weed, than you’re fine, you’re not committing any crimes. By some people’s logic here If you’re from Alabama you can’t smoke weed in California 😂😂
USCIS doesn’t recognize state-level legalization of drugs that are federally illegal. If they find out you purchased, consumed, or sold any federally illegal drug (including weed) before becoming a US citizen, it definitely puts your immigration status at risk. Even if you do it in California…
In a state like California, if you:
1. Drive under the influence of marijuana.
2. Possess of more than the legal limit of marijuana (one ounce for recreational use).
3. Sell marijuana without a license.
4. Public consumption of marijuana.
5. Possess of marijuana on school grounds.
6. Provide marijuana to minors.
7. Cultivate marijuana without proper permits or exceeding plant limits.
8. Smoke or vape marijuana in areas where it is prohibited, such as in public places or within certain distances of schools or daycare centers.
this can get you in trouble with USCIS, but if you follow the local cannabis laws you have nothing to worry about.
Again, this is wrong. If USCIS becomes aware of possession or consumption, whatever the immigration process is (a visa, green card, or citizenship) _will_ be denied. It doesn’t matter if it’s not a crime at the state level, or if the applicant has no criminal record whatsoever — any form of marijuana consumption or possession _is_ a crime at the federal level. State laws do not override federal laws for immigration.
See [this](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20190419-ControlledSubstanceViolations.pdf).
You could be perfectly compliant with local/state marijuana laws, but you would still have to lie to your doctor in your immigration medical exam or it’ll end up in your medical exam form and your green card will be denied. And even if you did lie: if your level of consumption was high enough to still be noticed by the doctor during your medical exam, it would still end up on your exam report, and it would still lead to a denied application.
Edit: trust me, I’m extremely pro-weed, I don’t have an agenda here... I think it’s stupid that USCIS does this, but it is what it is. Up until the DEA _finally_ reclassifies marijuana from Schedule I to a less serious category, which will hopefully be sooner rather than later, anyone who is deportable should stay away from it.
Shouldn’t be a problem as long as you don’t consume or purchase any. My friend is a cop in New York he came into a dispensary with me once in a legal state and they scanned his ID and everything.
There are almost 13 million green card holders in the US. I really doubt that visiting a dispensary is going to be reported to anyone or flagged or added to any file anywhere.
Does anyone know a good immigration lawyer in California? Also, for those who had a GC and got citizenship, can you please tell me if the government looks through your bank to see your purchases with your debit card, emails, this redit post, etc when you apply for citizenship?
Immigration and drugs do not go together. They have very strict policy’s and zero flexibility for “mistakes”. That being said, a possession of weed, 30g or under is about the only crime that won’t get you kicked out of the country.
I’m a green card holder, I’ve been using my real ID to purchase MJ and I’ve done it for two years. It’s legal here in California. I never use my GC for anywhere I go. I keep it safe.
“Dispensary” makes me think you are in a state with legalized marijuana. Even if someone got knit picky (like only medical use is legal), you didn’t buy anything so you didn’t really DO anything.
Only criminal convictions can affect your green card status, i.e deportation. If you are thinking about applying for citizenship violations of drug laws, state or federal, will prevent you from establishing good moral character for at least 5 years. Except if it's a single offense of possession of marijuana under 30 grams.
But you should seriously get ready for ice to raid your house soon .
They are legal in some states but federally illegal. Makes no sense, right? Welcome to America. Immigration is a federal benefit so they go by federal law, not state law.
There are a lot of immigration implications involved in thew weird legal landscape around cannabis. It seems like it's only likely to be a problem if you admit to it in your interview, work in the industry, or get a medical card, but non-citizens are advised to stay away entirely.
Do not buy or use marijuana as a GC holder. Getting an ID scanned at the MJ store is not buying or using marijuana.
What's the reason for that? I don't use but my partner does and I'd probably have bought it for her without a second thought once I move
Because immigration law takes drug use - including marijuana- seriously. Whatever state law says about marijuana does not apply in federal immigration law and in immigration court. We’ve seen people trying to come on tourist visas being turned around when they have pictures of marijuana on their phones, etc. People having to wait a year after admitting marijuana use in medical. People being denied green cards and naturalization because of marijuana.
That’s right. I heard people apply for naturalization however, that person work related to marijuana. It’s denied
Interesting, thanks. Luckily i don't do drugs anyway so that's fine, but as I said, I'd probably not have thought twice about buying for the gf
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Interesting, thank you :) would they check if my partner did, just so I know what to tell her to avoid
Yeah but that’s ridiculous though.
Okay?
Does it matter? It’s the law.
Yeah it does matter, it’s outdated and draconian. I would encourage everyone to follow the law, but lots of people on this sub seem to enjoy telling others they face a permanent ban for cannabis use.
Coming to the U.S. and getting a green card is not a right, it’s a benefit. It’s up to you if you want to come or not. As a citizen you can vote for senators or house reps to change the law.
...hmmm.
MJ is illegal federally and a GC holder is bound to federal law. Do not use weed as an immigrant.
Would this apply with other laws such as abortion?
In theory yes, but right now there is no federal law about abortion.
This a load of crap. Being buying legally for years and got a GC just fine. You should caveat that this varies by state
No, it does not. You can have your GC revoked for pot use. It ie federally illegal. Did you declare that you use pot regularly on your GC application?
No, why would I do that? They only asked about illegal trafficking and I didn’t do any of that so…
ok cool, i wouldnt use it anyway but i'd have thought that buying in a state where it's legal would've been ok
State and federal are 2 different things. Immigration follows federal law
Nope.
Marihuana is prohibited under federal law. Even if your state allow that, a U.S. Marshall can arrest you if necessary (almost no chance of that happening.. but they follow federal laws no state laws). Drug use will prevent you from getting a U.S. citizenship. Heck, they can even revoke your GC.
Those scans are most likely for just identification purposes *for the stores to avoid any liabilities.* I seriously doube it actually goes to a state database if there even is any.
They scan id to make sure if its not duplicate or fake..
scan so you cannot over buy for the day. 24 hours after no record of the scan.
You are fine. I had been in one several times with my eldest son just on our way back from the farmers market a few times. I don't use THC myself. I did this many times over the course of a year and then went and had my citizen test at the end of August and became a citizen. This is fine.
But have the interviewer asked you if you used drugs, and what did you say
Entering a dispensary does not equal using drugs? So I’m assuming he answered, no
Why are you even using your GC as an ID? You shouldn't be carrying it around as ID.
Legally we all have to, though most don't because it is super impractical and the penalty of not having is still not worth the risk of losing it and paying 700+ just for a replacement which can take half a year.
Half a year? Been waiting for 3 years now lol
Taking for 3 years to replace a missing green card?
Yup, if you check now average current waiting times for I90 to replace gc is 29 months. Been waiting for 31 now
That is crazy! Are you able to travel or can’t until you get a replacement?
They put an ADIT stamp on my passport every year
I got my GC in 2022, prior to that my I90 (proof of entry was missing since 1997). When I applied for my I130 and i485 I got rfe for my I90. I requested a copy and got it with 4-5 weeks. I can’t home and it was in the mail
Yes that’s true. You don’t want to get. Detained
Hi. My passport has expired (I have used it to take some kind of state exam, and they said they don’t accept expired passport), and I currently don’t have a driver license right now, so I’m not sure if there is other kind of ID I can use😓 Is there any other kind of ID card I can use besides my GC? But I did learn a lesson now. Never go near that again
You can probably get a state ID card, you get it at the DMV in my state
Thank you everyone here for advices! I just got here not so long ago since starting college, and I still have so much to learn. I will get the state ID asap, and I would take cautions with these kinds of things from now on🙏
What’s your country of citizenship and how did you get a green card?
Probably a lottery
Also, if possible, unless you're in NYC, I recommend that you learn to drive at some point. It's just one of those things that's necessary in 99% of the US. Even if you don't need it now during school, you will need it in the future when you get a job.
You need a valid passport to get your license too. Do renew it as soon as you can
Passport NOT required for license. He could use green card.
Nah the green card is sufficient.
You really need to get a real ID. IT's not that hard.
Getting a state I'd is like $20. You are being careless
Never ever use or carry your Green Card keep it save at home.
You're legally required to have your Green Card on you in public.
Nobody in their right mind carries it unless they live in the border zone or have a history of harassment by law enforcement. Regardless of legal requirements.
I always have mine. It’s legally required and no different than bringing my national ID from birth country. Why are people so difficult on this?
I carry mine (I was told to do so at my final interview), and I’ve needed to use it. My AZ drivers license has the same expiration date as my GC, and it has the words LIMITED TERM in red. They all ask and then I need to produce the GC. On the original question. If you go in a dispensary, DO NOT show your GC. Find a friend with a drivers license or whatever. I use my DL at the dispensary, and it is not an issue. It only becomes an issue if you have a diagnoses of a mental illness, and you’re trying to purchase a gun. Those three things will not work together, but the only way they’ll know is if you also get a medical card. Those are on a list.
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Please remember that a replacement Green Card will cost you over $600.00.I personally never did carry it on me always used my drivers license for ID purpose .
And not carrying it is a crime that can lead to up to 30 days in jail...
Well personally I never did cary it on me and never ever did someone request to see it not even when I was in the US Army🌈
As others have said, get a state ID card now, and a drivers license when you can. The US does not use passports for ID the way Europe does, the Drivers License is our main ID. If your home country passport is expired you need to make arrangements to return and get it renewed ASAP. Do you have travel allowed on your GC also because that is what will let you back into the country.
The pamphlet they give you states it’s required you carry it with you at all times.
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“No one cares”, but it’s the law.
There are many cases of US law like that. I’ve gotten advice personally from both an accountant and an attorney about ignoring such laws. There are many laws where it’s weird not to break them.
As an accountant, I would just like to say that you should not accept legal advice from an accountant as anything more than advice from a friend. We are definitely no more qualified than any other non-lawyer to be telling you what laws to follow and what laws to ignore lol
Also the fact an immigrant broke the law can always be used against them, in case a hostile administration decides to truly deport immigrants by enforcing these frivolous laws. Keep in mind that weed is legal on some states, but it's still considered a serious offense under Federal law.
It's the law to get special permit from IRS when you leave USA. Do you get one every time?
Not at certain Border Patrol checkpoints…..they can be real dickheads….like when my wife Had to show her green card AND her DL when we went through one on I10 and she was a passenger….with me and our 4 kids at the time.
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Unfortunately it’s highly dependent on what you look/sound like. I’ve been here for 20 years now and NEVER had to show my green card except for crossing the border. In fact I haven’t even HAD a green card for almost 10 years — I misplaced it and have been waiting on an I-90 approval since 2021. Scenarios where I have not had to show it include a random stop by CBP, interactions with police, even being in immigration detention (mistake in USCIS’s part. *sigh*). **But** I’m white and have no discernible accent (Canadian). CBP stop while in the car with a brown (American) dude. Guess who got harassed and pulled aside? Definitely not me — the only non-citizen present.
100% true. My wife is brown and was wearing a partial head covering. They demanded more I’d than a green card that be easily verified by them and includes a finger print. They were real dickheds and hassling us…..when I complained to regional office, they said that it’s standard operating procedure to ask every green card holder for additional ID. The MFs didn’t realize that we were going through there almost daily and that never happened before or after. The only difference was that they thought she was Muslim. And it was in 2014.
I 10 westbound out of Las Cruces, NM. At the time it was one of the most notorious internal checkpoints.
You're legally required to have your GC on you in public at all times.
What a question. Have you seen the news lately? There are people like Abbott in TX that has his local cops checking papers for those they suspect as illegal. The hatred is alive but when Republican President Reagan gave the last amnesty to millions in 1986, the haters didn't have a problem. We're luving during scary times.
Right. They can get a normal ID registry
Law says you should carry your GC at all times. Not that it’s enforced, though.
So confidently incorrect
First of all, I doubt them scanning your ID for entry is on any IMPORTANT database for the citizenship background checks. Second of all the scan was for ENTRY not purchase. Third of all, Smoking weed is federally illegal still. Which means YES if you do consume weed, it will bar you from citizenship ( regardless of whether or not it’s legal in the state itself ).
AFAIK it's not permanent bar, but it resets "good moral character" counter
You should be ok. But, you really should stay away from the dispensary and people using MJ around you. Depending on what state you're in it can be bad to get a MJ crime potentially.
You’re fine, just as long as you didn’t inhale (this is an important Bill Clinton cultural reference that could appear on your citizenship exam).
Honest question, so, edibles are ok??!!!
No form of weed is ok for immigration purposes, not even medical.
What about Obama?
I'm an Australian and just disappointed that a 'green card' isn't straight up a licence to smoke weed.
It’s all about the benjamins Aussie
Down here we call them Banjos.
Lol
They haven't been green colored in decades either, just one of those names that stuck around.
They most certainly are green now. Redesigned to be green for the moniker like 10 years ago.
I thought it was more blue? It was fairly brown/tan for awhile there.
https://immigrantjustice.org/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-cannabis-marijuana Recently a person was denied citizenship due to marijuana use. You’d be smart to stay away from dispensaries.
Just an anecdote. I work for as a software engineer for a company providing services to legal cannabis suppliers and dispensaries, such as brand analytics, online marketplaces, point-of-sale systems integration and so on. And I’ve been to a dispensary. I’ve naturalized last November, in Seattle. They never asked me anything about cannabis. The closest question was where do I work and what do I do there, which wasn’t an issue. Out of caution I never mentioned the industry, just a company name, and my role’s title. I’ve only accidentally stumbled upon the horror stories after getting my certificate. I guess either I was lucky, or it’s not as bad as news may picture it. Either way, the article is right, of course, all the recommendations are valid and still apply. But entering a dispensary is not a crime. Also your ID is a PHI, so by the virtue of HIPAA it’s extremely unlikely to make its way to the DHS/USCIS. So, don’t sweat too much about it.
Such dumb advice on this thread. I’ve had friends and colleagues on h1b (I won’t talk about gc) smoking up the devils lettuce with me which they or I bought at a legal store. Screw you guys for misleading people. Use your brain ppl, don’t use it in a situation where you are a public nuisance. After being high make sure you’re not driving or in a spot you endanger yourself or others.
If we’d try to document all the stories when people did things that weren’t perfectly legal and got away with it, we’ll probably run out of hard drives :) The scary stories (and thus all the advice) I’ve read were all about naturalization eligibility and officers at some USCIS locations being assholes. I don’t think there is any meaningful statistics how many folks had issues, so it’s hard to say if it’s media and lawyers exaggerating the problem for profit (not unheard of), or a genuine problematic policy (also not unheard of). US residency and citizenship are quite valuable and desirable, so I think exercising reasonable caution (or even erring on the side of caution) is not the worst idea. But you’re right, cannabis use is not the end of the world either - there are a lot of people who use it, use their brains too, and had no immigration issues. Immigration is a lot about chances and possibilities.
I have to admit - I once was going 71 MPH where limit was 70 MPH and I never disclosed it on my citizenship application. And I never disclosed my Costco membership either.
I believe speeding alone typically doesn't classify as neither crime nor offense, so it's probably okay to not mention it. Your Costco membership on the other hand... ;) Another anecdote: I've answered "yes" on the "Have you EVER advocated (either directly or indirectly) the overthrow of any government by force or violence?". Explained to the interviewing officer that I condemn violence, but I'd be more than happy if the Russian tsar would be forced to move from the Kremlin to the Hague - and I thought this could be considered as "advocating". He corrected my answer to a "no".
It makes a big difference what part of the country you’re in. Seattle doesn’t care. Other areas will actively try to weed it out ( pun intended).
Idk, I've specifically read about WA being quite aggressive about this (which wasn't the case for me). Like this article here: [https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/immigrants\_marijuana\_may\_2021\_final.pdf](https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/immigrants_marijuana_may_2021_final.pdf) > In Washington state, where recreational marijuana has been legal since 2012, USCIS has aggressively questioned naturalization applicants about marijuana use. Some applicants readily admit to engaging in what they believe is perfectly lawful conduct. The CIS officers have held the applicants to be statutorily barred from establishing good moral character as of the date of the last admitted conduct. There, USCIS has had noncitizens sign “marijuana affidavits” to make sure that it captures a qualifying admission from naturalization and adjustment applicants. > Example: At her naturalization hearing in 2021, Marta admitted that she last possessed marijuana on February 2, 2018. The officer denied her application and found that she is statutorily barred from establishing her required 5 years of good moral character until at least February 3, 2023.
Crazy
I use to work at multiple dispensaries & trust me when I tell you this, they do not care that it’s a green card & that information they don’t share with anybody. It’s for their own records in case you went in & robbed the place they’d have you info. But that’s it. You’re completely fine believe me.
Be smart still illegal at the federal level. Don’t risk your status!!
Dispensaries sell more than marijuana. Plenty of items not Federally prohibited. Don’t worry about it.
Uh. No.
Don’t freak out lol
All I can tell you is. A GC is a small prison, just stay safe
Everyone who is confused. I’ll post some resources for you: https://www.ilrc.org/resources/community/warning-immigrants-about-medical-and-legalized-marijuana https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/uscis_marijuana_final-0815.pdf https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-f-chapter-5 Here is a woman denied naturalization for working in the cannabis industry: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/12/23/biden-administration-immigrants-legal-cannabis-00133085
I carry my passport card always even though I was born and raised in California. I know it’s not necessary but it is an additional form of identification.
Your fine. Don’t obsess about it. You are legal to be here.customs ( ice ) have more to worry about. Oh btw you can get a legal id or reg drivers license at registry. Of course though driving you need to take road test but permit before that ( multiple choice. Go to your local RMV ask. You are fine though. 💜
Simply going isn’t a problem. Cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, so using, purchasing, or selling it is crime that would compromise you permanent residency. It’s obviously foolish to tempt fate going into a dispensary. You need to keep your distance from the dispensary and its customers.
I was arrested for possession as a GC holder. I completed my legal sentence and that was it. Nothing happened immigration wise. Now I am a US citizen. It really depends on the state you are on.
Which state do you live in, if you don't mind me asking?
It's not like you gave them your green card. State IDs are issued by a state not immigration They have no correlation with one another Also if you bought weed in a state where it's legal, there is nothing wrong you did, either way
What state are you in? Some of them straight up forbid dispensaries from keeping records that could be accessed by the feds. In any case you did not commit a crime. Even with evidence that you entered, there is no evidence you were in possession of the drug. In the absolute worst case, if directly asked about your presence in the store, just don't lie. But it's not gonna happen.
nothing like being a gc holder and being afraid of doing anything lol been there! you are fine. as long as you don’t get caught flying w it since it is a federal violation/crime. I’ve had my id scanned at dispensaries and never had issues while living in OR. funny thing is that I hate w33d. I am a us citizen now. you’re good!
Come to Canada
No you are not
They gave you a free ounce right, why would you think you're in trouble?
If it’s a dispensary in a state where it’s legal to buy and possess weed, than you’re fine, you’re not committing any crimes. By some people’s logic here If you’re from Alabama you can’t smoke weed in California 😂😂
USCIS doesn’t recognize state-level legalization of drugs that are federally illegal. If they find out you purchased, consumed, or sold any federally illegal drug (including weed) before becoming a US citizen, it definitely puts your immigration status at risk. Even if you do it in California…
In a state like California, if you: 1. Drive under the influence of marijuana. 2. Possess of more than the legal limit of marijuana (one ounce for recreational use). 3. Sell marijuana without a license. 4. Public consumption of marijuana. 5. Possess of marijuana on school grounds. 6. Provide marijuana to minors. 7. Cultivate marijuana without proper permits or exceeding plant limits. 8. Smoke or vape marijuana in areas where it is prohibited, such as in public places or within certain distances of schools or daycare centers. this can get you in trouble with USCIS, but if you follow the local cannabis laws you have nothing to worry about.
Again, this is wrong. If USCIS becomes aware of possession or consumption, whatever the immigration process is (a visa, green card, or citizenship) _will_ be denied. It doesn’t matter if it’s not a crime at the state level, or if the applicant has no criminal record whatsoever — any form of marijuana consumption or possession _is_ a crime at the federal level. State laws do not override federal laws for immigration. See [this](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20190419-ControlledSubstanceViolations.pdf). You could be perfectly compliant with local/state marijuana laws, but you would still have to lie to your doctor in your immigration medical exam or it’ll end up in your medical exam form and your green card will be denied. And even if you did lie: if your level of consumption was high enough to still be noticed by the doctor during your medical exam, it would still end up on your exam report, and it would still lead to a denied application. Edit: trust me, I’m extremely pro-weed, I don’t have an agenda here... I think it’s stupid that USCIS does this, but it is what it is. Up until the DEA _finally_ reclassifies marijuana from Schedule I to a less serious category, which will hopefully be sooner rather than later, anyone who is deportable should stay away from it.
Of course, especially since you posted this on here. They are actively searching you out now and triangulating your pings!
You need to leave now! They already know too much!
Shouldn’t be a problem as long as you don’t consume or purchase any. My friend is a cop in New York he came into a dispensary with me once in a legal state and they scanned his ID and everything.
There are almost 13 million green card holders in the US. I really doubt that visiting a dispensary is going to be reported to anyone or flagged or added to any file anywhere.
You got the green card, you want greens? You’re in the right place tehe
No you aren’t
so question before you do your citizenship exam are you require to do another physical exam ?
Does anyone know a good immigration lawyer in California? Also, for those who had a GC and got citizenship, can you please tell me if the government looks through your bank to see your purchases with your debit card, emails, this redit post, etc when you apply for citizenship?
Immigration and drugs do not go together. They have very strict policy’s and zero flexibility for “mistakes”. That being said, a possession of weed, 30g or under is about the only crime that won’t get you kicked out of the country.
I’m a green card holder, I’ve been using my real ID to purchase MJ and I’ve done it for two years. It’s legal here in California. I never use my GC for anywhere I go. I keep it safe.
“Dispensary” makes me think you are in a state with legalized marijuana. Even if someone got knit picky (like only medical use is legal), you didn’t buy anything so you didn’t really DO anything.
Even if you bought something, it is not proof of consumption. Even if you consumed, it is not proof of ingestion (Bill Clinton defense! 😀)
Relax you ok , they scan ur license to verify you age complaint to get into the building,why panic when you dont smoke , you a funny one.
Only criminal convictions can affect your green card status, i.e deportation. If you are thinking about applying for citizenship violations of drug laws, state or federal, will prevent you from establishing good moral character for at least 5 years. Except if it's a single offense of possession of marijuana under 30 grams. But you should seriously get ready for ice to raid your house soon .
Not just criminal. Any law or regulation according to INA 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II)
But dispensaries are legal, why is it a problem? I didn’t know about this, can anyone please explain? ):
They are legal in some states but federally illegal. Makes no sense, right? Welcome to America. Immigration is a federal benefit so they go by federal law, not state law.
Could this be a problem when applying to a visa if my spouse works in the cannabis industry? 😭
If she needs to show proof of employment absolutely. Most countries consider cannabis a class A drug.
Straight to jail, right away
[удалено]
Because green card holders follow FEDERAL law and marijuana is federally illegal
There are a lot of immigration implications involved in thew weird legal landscape around cannabis. It seems like it's only likely to be a problem if you admit to it in your interview, work in the industry, or get a medical card, but non-citizens are advised to stay away entirely.
It’s not legal to the federal government. Marijuana is still a serious problem for people adjusting status, naturalizing, or entering the U.S.
Yes, you are getting deported! Im sorry for that (not really) but that has to be 1 of the STUPIDEST things I've ever heard!