HELP! DS-160 and drug abuse questions

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

Although legal in some states, there still is a federal law about it

Despite medical cannabis laws in 40 states, cannabis is still illegal under federal law. The federal government regulates drugs through the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) (21 U.S.C. § 811), which does not recognize the difference between medical and recreational use of cannabis. These laws are generally applied only against persons who possess, cultivate, or distribute large quantities of cannabis.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

I would only discussed if asked.

And i belive its a question during the medical. Be honest. And I hope it all works in your favor.

[MacUK 983]

If there's no way for the US law enforcement or government to find out, I wouldn't incriminate myself. Let me put it that way.

Advising lying about it? Terrible advice.

It's in the OPs medical history, lying about it could result in a lifetime ban.

[Loki_Go 126]

The problem is it looks like it may be a part of her medical history. How deeply do they look into that or are they even able to legally dig into our medical records?

[Ontarkie 14,236]

~~One post removed for TOS Violation -Condone or instruct, either directly or indirectly, others on how to commit fraudulent or illegal immigration activities in any way, shape, manner or method.~~

~~One post removed and posted below for quoting removed post.~~

Advising lying about it? Terrible advice.
It's in the OPs medical history, lying about it could result in a lifetime ban.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

My fiance had a history of past use. He answered no because he is not in agreement with labeling himself and "addict or abuser". You do not need to put any explanation in the box. You can't answer "yes" and then go onto explain how you are not a drug addict or abuser. Doesn't quite make sense, you know.

If you don't have any charges on your police record, I would answer no to the other question.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Be honest about your past use and move on. It's certainly not the end of the world. It can be overcome. Relax.

Edited August 8, 2016 by LionessDeon

[jan22 3,056]

My fiance had a history of past use. He answered no because he is not in agreement with labeling himself and "addict or abuser". You do not need to put any explanation in the box. You can't answer "yes" and then go onto explain how you are not a drug addict or abuser. Doesn't quite make sense, you know.

If you don't have any charges on your police record, I would answer no to the other question.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Be honest about your past use and move on. It's certainly not the end of the world. It can be overcome. Relax.

I applaud the OP for his/her original intent to do exactly what you say he/she should do in your last sentence (vice what you say earlier in the post) -- "Be honest about your past use and move on." What he/she did at 17 should not have an impact; the incidents from two years ago will likely be reviewed carefully by the panel physician before a determination is made. While being honest may result in a one-year ban during which time you document staying "clean", the good news is that there won't be an outrigth denial as the OP feared. An additional plus is that the OP won't have to worry about whether you will be caught lying on an immigration form during the interview.

If the DS-160 questions were only about drug addiction, a lot more people could respond "no", but since it includes dug abuse, that becomes more difficult. While there are various definitions of what constitutes "drug abuse", the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health and funded by the US Congress, uses the following:

"People use substances for a variety of reasons. It becomes drug abuse when people use illegal drugs or use legal drugs inappropriately. This includes the repeated use of drugs to produce pleasure, alleviate stress, and/or alter or avoid reality." (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction-basics, "How does NIDA use the terma drug abuse and addiction?")

[LionessDeon 2,060]

I applaud the OP for his/her original intent to do exactly what you say he/she should do in your last sentence (vice what you say earlier in the post) -- "Be honest about your past use and move on." What he/she did at 17 should not have an impact; the incidents from two years ago will likely be reviewed carefully by the panel physician before a determination is made. While being honest may result in a one-year ban during which time you document staying "clean", the good news is that there won't be an outrigth denial as the OP feared. An additional plus is that the OP won't have to worry about whether you will be caught lying on an immigration form during the interview.

If the DS-160 questions were only about drug addiction, a lot more people could respond "no", but since it includes dug abuse, that becomes more difficult. While there are various definitions of what constitutes "drug abuse", the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health and funded by the US Congress, uses the following:

"People use substances for a variety of reasons. It becomes drug abuse when people use illegal drugs or use legal drugs inappropriately. This includes the repeated use of drugs to produce pleasure, alleviate stress, and/or alter or avoid reality." (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction-basics, "How does NIDA use the terma drug abuse and addiction?")

Aaahhh yes that is true. And in the end, the medical report did label him a Class A drug abuser and he received a one year ban. But, we overcame it. Just want the OP to know he doesn't have to label himself that way. I feel like its almost a subjective question. Unless there is some documentation that states "you are a drug abuser/addict" anyone would be very hesitant to answer yes.

[chrisete 55]

I'm not sure how to link previous threads but there was an excellent post from Stacey and Andrew on past drug abuse and mental health...take a peek and soothe your nerves. Be honest and use their checklist. Nick-Nich also has excellent advice. Good luck and 'keep your eyes on the prize'...your finance! You will be just fine.

[Cathi 5,758]

I would only discussed if asked.

And i belive its a question during the medical. Be honest. And I hope it all works in your favor.

it is always asked during the medical

[squareleg 69]

You are either an addict or not. USCIS doesn't have a position of "occasional" user.

If you say "Yes", then whatever explanation you provide cannot say how you are not an addict or abuser. It doesn't make any sense.

[Canadiangal123 3]

Hey everyone - I just wanted to thank you all for your responses to this. It makes me so happy to know I have such an amazing group of people to turn to when I'm feeling anxious about something.

xoxo