marijuana use and psychiatric evaluation

[Ktav 8]

Trust me, I am thinking any horrible thing that you could be thinking. I am very very angry. My fiance, the beneficiary, has been very casually using marijuana for the last 6 months. Maybe 1-2 times per month. I thought he understood that he shouldn't be doing it during the process...but apparently it wasn't as obvious to him as it was to me.

Fast forward to the medical, he casually admits to having used marijuana recently, he didn't see it as a big deal at all. So the doctor referred him to a psychiatrist and made him feel like it was really no big deal, he just needs to get clearance from the psychiatrist. He called and told me not at all worried.

Of course I am worried. Very worried and angry that he's so relaxed about it. I have read some of the posts and I see that many people receive a 1-year ban and treatment plan and then have to reapply.

To make matters more complicated, I'm 7 months pregnant and we were thinking we were in the home stretch to having him get here and be a part of it. We lived together for the last year, but when I came home to CA to visit, I found out I'm pregnant and we have been working on the visa process for the last 6 months.

I'm very upset and very angry, and I have already let him know how stupid he was. So please don't add on if that's all you have to offer.

He is not a heavy user, when I met him he didn't drink or smoke and hadn't for over a year, just cuz he wanted to be healthier, no addiction or anything. Now he will partake socially, but very rarely. I thought he had stopped during the process.

So, any good stories? Any positive thoughts people can send my way? No need to link prior cases if they're negative, I've probably already seen it, I'm just looking for a ray of hope. I'm so upset. It's too late for me to fly to be with him so I am pretty sure I will have to have this baby on my own.

Any advice for his psychiatric consultation that will take place next week? Obviously he won't lie, but is there any chance that he can beg and plead and promise he will never do it again if he can just be there for the birth of his child? It's true, he's devastated and embarrassed and will do whatever he can at this point. He just didn't realize it was as big of a deal as it is.

Thanks for your positive thoughts, I'm so filled with negativity at the moment and trying to rid it from mine and my baby's bloodstream.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I think it's slightly good news that he was referred and not denied straight away.

Edited May 5, 2016 by Harpa Timsah

[mallafri76 1,012]

Obviously stay away from the pot between now and entering the US. My husband always say that nothing is obvious to men. If you need a man to do something, you have tell him step by step what you want. I hope it works out for you guys. Congratulations on the baby.

[Unlockable 7,314]

^{Your concern and anger is warranted. However, for the sake of the baby you should not stress yourself.}

^{Be prepared for the ban just in case but hope for the best.}

^{Good luck.}

Edited May 6, 2016 by NuestraUnion

[NikLR 13,227]

I agree with Harpa. However he may still get the ban and need the testing.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Well from what I understand about the process he hasn't had his interview yet he simply was doing his medical prior to the interview. So there's nothing to deny yet.

On the medical evaluation form that the beneficiary fills out it asks about prior drug use the doctor as he conducts his medical exam also asks about prior drug use. Those who say yes are referred to see a psychiatrist. So usually anyone who admits to prior drug use gets referred to a psychiatrist that's kind of the norm. I wouldn't say that's a plus.

OP I know you only want to hear good news but the fact remains marijuana is not legal in the USA. I don't like to build false hope. Would it be awesome if they gave him a second chance and issue the visa yes and I'll pray for that, but most likely he will receive a one-year band like everyone else. Now I have heard of some cases falling to the cracks and people admitting to pass use and not getting a one-year ban. However the majority don't get that lucky. I'm sorry.

The doctors and psychiatrist always act like it's not a big deal because they want you to feel comfortable and tell them the truth. I must admit, looking back now our one year ban went faster than I thought it would.

Edited May 6, 2016 by LionessDeon

[NikLR 13,227]

If he has't had his interview yet, then yes, likely LionessDeon is right.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

I looked at their timeline and it's not updated to interview so I'm thinking not. I truly know first hand how devastating this all can be then to add pregnancy on top... My heart goes out to you OP. PM me if you ever need to talk.

[Sledge 11]

Colorado baby. Maybe since its been so decriminalized it'll be no problem. Just make sure he pees clean if they ua him.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Colorado baby. Maybe since its been so decriminalized it'll be no problem. Just make sure he pees clean if they ua him.

Still a federal crime.

Hope for the best. The fact that he wasn't outright denied is definitely good.

Edited May 6, 2016 by Transborderwife

[Sledge 11]

de·crim·i·nal·ize

dēˈkrimənəlīz/

verb

past tense: decriminalized; past participle: decriminalized

cease by legislation to treat (something) as illegal.

"a battle to decriminalize drugs"

Yes. It's a federal crime. Most likely it comes down to the consular amd the psych and how they feel about marijuana. So as it's decriminalized and becoming more globally accepted the officer might be more leniant, as it isn't meth or heroin or something. That's really the best hope.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

de·crim·i·nal·ize

dēˈkrimənəlīz/

verb

past tense: decriminalized; past participle: decriminalized

cease by legislation to treat (something) as illegal.

"a battle to decriminalize drugs"

Yes. It's a federal crime. Most likely it comes down to the consular amd the psych and how they feel about marijuana. So as it's decriminalized and becoming more globally accepted the officer might be more leniant, as it isn't meth or heroin or something. That's really the best hope.

Yes, I agree with you. However we have seen a lot of cases even recently on VJ where any admission (even I tried it once in passing) have been given a denial. This is followed up by suggestions of a treatment program and peeing clean at random for a year. Some get lucky and only need to be examined by a panel psychiatrist.

Until federally it's no longer a crime, it's to be expected that there's a great chance of consequence.

[Sledge 11]

Which of course there is, which my theory fits. So the ray of sunshine is hopefully you get cool psych and cool interviewer.

And you are in California which is very 420 friendly. That might go into play a little.

[Ktav 8]

No interview yet, not even scheduled although we have been requesting an expedite for the pregnancy. He had the medical today and has the psych evaluation for Tuesday. Thanks for the responses. I'm hoping for some compassion and I have no idea if they are even able to be compassionate or if they have to just follow the books. All we can do is wait and try to be positive. It's not easy.

[Sledge 11]

I think they have the option to be compassionate, because some have gotten by and some haven't. I don't think they'll feel bad or expedite because you're pregnant though.