AOS I-485 Part 3 Question 1 - Admitting to Marijuana Use

[canam_candidate 0]

I was looking ahead to AOS and I was caught off guard by this question. Like many Canadians now in their 40's, 50's and 60's, I have smoked marijuana.

My gut says tell the truth even though I haven't smoked in a large number of years and I have never been suspected or arrested or detained or charged or anything in connection with marijuana. Not sure what I said in the medical at Toronto.

Does anybody know of the rate of refusal for being honest? Is this a question that comes up in the interview (AOS, Naturalization, etc.)?

[Don and Venus 2]

If I were you I wouldn't even mention it. If asked just say "NO TO DRUGS!"

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I would never suggest lying. If they ask (and they likely will) be truthful. The penalty for being caught in a lie is always far worse than telling the truth and dealing with the consequences. There was a thread here on VJ recently where an applicant lied about past marijuana use at the medical, and then was questioned at the POE where he/she admitted lying at the medical. Of course they were denied entry on the basis of misrepresentation and the visa was canceled.

As far as what will happen if you do admit drug use, I really have no idea.

Edited October 31, 2010 by Hugglebuggles

[VanessaTony 3,567]

It's against VJ TOS to advise you to lie so I can't do that. It's usually best to tell the truth, but I suggest researching this a bit more first.

Here's some links:

- http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/228121-drug-use-and-k1-visa-what-are-we-looking-at/

- http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/188870-visa-for-fiance-w-marijuana-conviction/

Lies can sometimes come back to hurt you (as the first link shows).. best to be honest in most situations.

[Veronik 19]

First, I would think of the relevance of answering yes to that question. Do you have a criminal background directly linked to having smoked weed? Have you ever been arrested? Have you ever tried to smuggle drugs through the border?

If the answer is no, then I would just ask myself how answering yes would make your case more 'complete' than if you'd say no for something you haven't done in a long time (I presume). The only way they could prove you've smoked before would be to test a strand of your hair. Doubt they'll do that.

It's up to you though, and I'm no expert, this is just what I think..

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I wasn't going to respond at first, but decided I would.

I agree with Vero and Chris about weighing the options.

i) if you came through a K1 or other VISA and didn't own up at that point about your 'experimentation' back during your young years - will admitting now be helpful? No - it will just point to the fact that you're a liar - which they kind of don't take well to

I personally smoked a few back in university 20+ years ago and I didn't reveal it - I am a fine upstanding person now and that was my personal choice (so don't anyone give me flack over it )- I wasn't a drug pusher and have never been arrested for anything (let alone something drug related) and what I did on a long weekend with my roomate on May 2-4 is nobodies business IMO.

Sure - they could ask for a hair test for you - those are reliable up to about 3 yrs from last use I hear...

not sure what you gain by confessing - that's my own opinion - I won't tell you to lie - what you decide is your business.

Edited November 1, 2010 by Udella&Wiz

[canam_candidate 0]

Thanks for the responses guys.

After wracking my brain, I remember admitting to the doctor at my medical that I had smoked weed 20+ years ago. I didn't realize that it would be a big deal and I'm pretty honest, especially with doctors. It never came up at my K1 interview, but I can't help but think that I have backed myself into a corner unless the border officer lets me see my medical at POE.

I guess I was hoping to hear that some people made it through the process without hassle despite their voluntary disclosure.