Medical Marijuana use and upcoming medical exam

[Level-With-Me 12]

Hello,

To preface this, I did a bit of research on these forums before deciding to post. I searched "marijuana" and "medical marijuana" but wasn't really finding anything that fit my current situation exactly.  With that being said, if I'm posting this in the wrong area, or anyone has the need to tell me to review a specific post for my answer(s), please feel free to push me elsewhere.

 

I feel like my situation is a bit unique as my fiancé lives on a small island off of the UK that is considered it's own democracy, however, the embassy he'll be interviewing at is London, which is about an hour long plane ride away.  So let's just say the fact that he'll need to take two separate flights to do his medical, fly back, and re-book an entire flight for the interview itself is a headache, but I suppose these are the things we do for love 😊

 

To be clear: my fiancé has NOT scheduled his medical appointment yet, as we are still waiting for his police report to come back.  He has not ever been cited or ticketed for marijuana (ie, recreational use).

 

Jersey has allowed for medical marijuana. They don't have a special card to prove any type of "approval" as we have in the US, however, my fiancé has been prescribed *medical* marijuana for several years.  About 6 months ago I began to research this and was panicking a bit.  So, to ease my fears a bit, my fiancé reached out to the doctor who prescribes the medical marijuana (separate doctor as the GP) and he assured him that this information would NOT be on his medical report. Well, lo and behold, of course it's all over his medical report that he ordered from his GP, and just received on Friday.  Now my panic has reached an all time high. I don't think I've slept more than 2 hours straight all weekend. 

 

I've read countless posts on here about people being immediately denied for marijuana use/having marijuana citations on their police report, etc. I would consider these as "recreational" use.  But I can't find anything specific to medical marijuana.  Obviously my brain is all over the place right now, but currently, my mindset is that since marijuana is still federally outlawed here in the US, should I automatically assume this is the end of the road for us?  He has visited me MANY times during this K1 process and has never touched it while here in the US.  He doesn't have any intentions of touching it when (well, if...) he moves here.  From my research, the Visa Physician in London will be asking him about marijuana use, and obviously he can't lie, I wouldn't want him to do that - but will the fact that it's medically prescribed and monitored make ANY difference in this? I can only assume when he answers yes to this question, he'll be automatically sent for a drug screen, it will be positive, and then lights out... 😭

 

I feel physically ill and can't even fathom the last two years being a complete waste over THIS out of all the hurdles we've faced and all the money we've spent. 

 

If anyone can PLEASE shed some light on this from any past circumstances they've faced - specifically having to do with medicinal marijuana and NOT recreational - I'd appreciate any insight you could give me.  I'm absolutely beside myself. 

[RO_AH 1,668]

  On 1/28/2024 at 9:38 PM, Level-With-Me said:

Hello,

To preface this, I did a bit of research on these forums before deciding to post. I searched "marijuana" and "medical marijuana" but wasn't really finding anything that fit my current situation exactly.  With that being said, if I'm posting this in the wrong area, or anyone has the need to tell me to review a specific post for my answer(s), please feel free to push me elsewhere.

 

I feel like my situation is a bit unique as my fiancé lives on a small island off of the UK that is considered it's own democracy, however, the embassy he'll be interviewing at is London, which is about an hour long plane ride away.  So let's just say the fact that he'll need to take two separate flights to do his medical, fly back, and re-book an entire flight for the interview itself is a headache, but I suppose these are the things we do for love 😊

 

To be clear: my fiancé has NOT scheduled his medical appointment yet, as we are still waiting for his police report to come back.  He has not ever been cited or ticketed for marijuana (ie, recreational use).

 

Jersey has allowed for medical marijuana. They don't have a special card to prove any type of "approval" as we have in the US, however, my fiancé has been prescribed *medical* marijuana for several years.  About 6 months ago I began to research this and was panicking a bit.  So, to ease my fears a bit, my fiancé reached out to the doctor who prescribes the medical marijuana (separate doctor as the GP) and he assured him that this information would NOT be on his medical report. Well, lo and behold, of course it's all over his medical report that he ordered from his GP, and just received on Friday.  Now my panic has reached an all time high. I don't think I've slept more than 2 hours straight all weekend. 

 

I've read countless posts on here about people being immediately denied for marijuana use/having marijuana citations on their police report, etc. I would consider these as "recreational" use.  But I can't find anything specific to medical marijuana.  Obviously my brain is all over the place right now, but currently, my mindset is that since marijuana is still federally outlawed here in the US, should I automatically assume this is the end of the road for us?  He has visited me MANY times during this K1 process and has never touched it while here in the US.  He doesn't have any intentions of touching it when (well, if...) he moves here.  From my research, the Visa Physician in London will be asking him about marijuana use, and obviously he can't lie, I wouldn't want him to do that - but will the fact that it's medically prescribed and monitored make ANY difference in this? I can only assume when he answers yes to this question, he'll be automatically sent for a drug screen, it will be positive, and then lights out... 😭

 

I feel physically ill and can't even fathom the last two years being a complete waste over THIS out of all the hurdles we've faced and all the money we've spent. 

 

If anyone can PLEASE shed some light on this from any past circumstances they've faced - specifically having to do with medicinal marijuana and NOT recreational - I'd appreciate any insight you could give me.  I'm absolutely beside myself. 

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No specific expertise on this, but these are my thoughts. You are trying to immigrate through the US government. While some states and some other countries have legalized marijuana for medical us,e and some even for recreational use, the federal government has not, so this will be a problem.

[Pinkrlion 2,725]

Marijuana is Federally illegal. He will have to disclose use and why at his medical. If it used for medical purposes then the MD will evaluate it. If is used for mental health purposes he may be referred to have another evaluation with a psychologist. 

[Level-With-Me 12]

  On 1/28/2024 at 10:25 PM, Pinkrlion said:

Marijuana is Federally illegal. He will have to disclose use and why at his medical. If it used for medical purposes then the MD will evaluate it. If is used for mental health purposes he may be referred to have another evaluation with a psychologist. 

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Yeah, I am aware it’s federally outlawed which is why I’m not feeling too hopeful at this point 😔

 

I suppose my/our only hope is that if he’s able to pass a drug test, maybe this could be a saving grace? Obviously he’ll be upfront about using medicinally but perhaps stopping usage before the medical exam and producing a clean test could only help in this instance. 
 

He’s prescribed to it for physical pain issues. Old injury of a torn rotator cuff that never healed properly/still gives him issues when he tries to sleep at night, along with medically documented migraines that he hasn’t been able to get under control. He was prescribed a medication to take only before the migraine starts but he never gets any warning signs so it’s hard to use the medication as prescribed once symptoms start. 

[Crazy Cat 43,003]

  On 1/28/2024 at 10:31 PM, Level-With-Me said:

Yeah, I am aware it’s federally outlawed which is why I’m not feeling too hopeful at this point 😔

 

I suppose my/our only hope is that if he’s able to pass a drug test, maybe this could be a saving grace? Obviously he’ll be upfront about using medicinally but perhaps stopping usage before the medical exam and producing a clean test could only help in this instance. 
 

He’s prescribed to it for physical pain issues. Old injury of a torn rotator cuff that never healed properly/still gives him issues when he tries to sleep at night, along with medically documented migraines that he hasn’t been able to get under control. He was prescribed a medication to take only before the migraine starts but he never gets any warning signs so it’s hard to use the medication as prescribed once symptoms start. 

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Please keep us updated.  As you already know, there are numerous cases where a history of MJ use, alone, has triggered a 1 year ban and monitoring.  Your experience will be a valuable addition to the VJ knowledgebase. 

Edited January 28, 2024 by Crazy Cat

[Pinkrlion 2,725]

  On 1/28/2024 at 10:31 PM, Level-With-Me said:

Yeah, I am aware it’s federally outlawed which is why I’m not feeling too hopeful at this point 😔

 

I suppose my/our only hope is that if he’s able to pass a drug test, maybe this could be a saving grace? Obviously he’ll be upfront about using medicinally but perhaps stopping usage before the medical exam and producing a clean test could only help in this instance. 
 

He’s prescribed to it for physical pain issues. Old injury of a torn rotator cuff that never healed properly/still gives him issues when he tries to sleep at night, along with medically documented migraines that he hasn’t been able to get under control. He was prescribed a medication to take only before the migraine starts but he never gets any warning signs so it’s hard to use the medication as prescribed once symptoms start. 

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So how will he continue this regimen in the US. He can’t bring it on the plane. 

[Level-With-Me 12]

  On 1/28/2024 at 11:24 PM, Pinkrlion said:

So how will he continue this regimen in the US. He can’t bring it on the plane. 

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Correct. As I stated in the original post, he hasn’t used marijuana in the US while visiting and doesn’t intend to use once he arrives. Of course this wouldn’t be his choice however he’s now aware that his current regimen wouldn’t be legally allowable here in the United States. Perhaps (and I can only speculate) once he’s on my health insurance, maybe he can be prescribed something more realistic for the migraines that will work after one has already started. As far as the shoulder issue goes, he’ll probably need to grin and bear it with some Motrin or maybe some physical therapy down the road.

 

I believe this issue comes down to the fact that he’s unfamiliar with the US laws as it’s technically considered “federally legal” in Jersey. I’ve made him aware of this issue and he proactively inquired and was told some information by a doctor that wasn’t true or reliable. I believe he had thought that since it’s prescribed by a medical doctor, it would make some sort of difference at the medical appointment by the Visa physician. 
 

I’m certainly not trying to make excuses, I don’t use marijuana and am not a fan of how it makes me feel. I’m just beside myself at this point thinking our journey will be terminated and I feel completely helpless. 

[Ontarkie 14,707]

Fingers crossed he doesn't get the one year ban. 

 

I have a few ideas to help with migraines and his joint pain but it is out there and most ppl think it's nuts. Check out Dr Ken Berry on youtube and search for migraines after his name or joint pain. 

[Redro 4,613]

  On 1/29/2024 at 12:52 AM, Level-With-Me said:

Correct. As I stated in the original post, he hasn’t used marijuana in the US while visiting and doesn’t intend to use once he arrives. Of course this wouldn’t be his choice however he’s now aware that his current regimen wouldn’t be legally allowable here in the United States. Perhaps (and I can only speculate) once he’s on my health insurance, maybe he can be prescribed something more realistic for the migraines that will work after one has already started. As far as the shoulder issue goes, he’ll probably need to grin and bear it with some Motrin or maybe some physical therapy down the road.

 

I believe this issue comes down to the fact that he’s unfamiliar with the US laws as it’s technically considered “federally legal” in Jersey. I’ve made him aware of this issue and he proactively inquired and was told some information by a doctor that wasn’t true or reliable. I believe he had thought that since it’s prescribed by a medical doctor, it would make some sort of difference at the medical appointment by the Visa physician. 
 

I’m certainly not trying to make excuses, I don’t use marijuana and am not a fan of how it makes me feel. I’m just beside myself at this point thinking our journey will be terminated and I feel completely helpless. 

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Your journey is not over. If the doctors/ the embassy feel your partner’s use is an issue he will have to refrain from using marijuana for the next year. 
I’m not sure when the medical is, but I suggest he speaks to his prescribing doctor and requests he 1. Asks the doctor to write a reason behind the past prescription 2. Prescribe something different 3. Start documenting that your partner has stopped using marijuana.

Another member based out of the UK starting documenting he stopped drinking several months before his medical and this shortened the period as his year look back was not from medical but when he stopped drinking. 
I want to repeat YOUR JOURNEY IS NOT OVER. if you want, if your partner is refused you can consider getting married and going the spousal route. A refusal is not the end of the road. 

[SalishSea 18,375]

  On 1/29/2024 at 12:52 AM, Level-With-Me said:

Correct. As I stated in the original post, he hasn’t used marijuana in the US while visiting and doesn’t intend to use once he arrives. Of course this wouldn’t be his choice however he’s now aware that his current regimen wouldn’t be legally allowable here in the United States. Perhaps (and I can only speculate) once he’s on my health insurance, maybe he can be prescribed something more realistic for the migraines that will work after one has already started. As far as the shoulder issue goes, he’ll probably need to grin and bear it with some Motrin or maybe some physical therapy down the road.

 

I believe this issue comes down to the fact that he’s unfamiliar with the US laws as it’s technically considered “federally legal” in Jersey. I’ve made him aware of this issue and he proactively inquired and was told some information by a doctor that wasn’t true or reliable. I believe he had thought that since it’s prescribed by a medical doctor, it would make some sort of difference at the medical appointment by the Visa physician. 
 

I’m certainly not trying to make excuses, I don’t use marijuana and am not a fan of how it makes me feel. I’m just beside myself at this point thinking our journey will be terminated and I feel completely helpless. 

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I strongly advise against the use of any type of marijuana (MM or rec) for immigrants, regardless of state laws.  For some, it could be an extra incentive to naturalize under the 3 year rule if eligible.

[millefleur 5,048]

  On 1/29/2024 at 12:52 AM, Level-With-Me said:

Perhaps (and I can only speculate) once he’s on my health insurance, maybe he can be prescribed something more realistic for the migraines that will work after one has already started.

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This is not related to the immigration issue (sorry you have to deal with this, and please do update us on the outcome) but my husband had success treating headache issues when a doctor here told him about taking high doses of vitamin B-2. Feel free to look up the studies around migraines and B-2, might be worth considering as a cheap, temporary alternative until he gets health insurance.

[Pinkrlion 2,725]

  On 1/29/2024 at 12:52 AM, Level-With-Me said:

Correct. As I stated in the original post, he hasn’t used marijuana in the US while visiting and doesn’t intend to use once he arrives. Of course this wouldn’t be his choice however he’s now aware that his current regimen wouldn’t be legally allowable here in the United States. Perhaps (and I can only speculate) once he’s on my health insurance, maybe he can be prescribed something more realistic for the migraines that will work after one has already started. As far as the shoulder issue goes, he’ll probably need to grin and bear it with some Motrin or maybe some physical therapy down the road.

 

I believe this issue comes down to the fact that he’s unfamiliar with the US laws as it’s technically considered “federally legal” in Jersey. I’ve made him aware of this issue and he proactively inquired and was told some information by a doctor that wasn’t true or reliable. I believe he had thought that since it’s prescribed by a medical doctor, it would make some sort of difference at the medical appointment by the Visa physician. 
 

I’m certainly not trying to make excuses, I don’t use marijuana and am not a fan of how it makes me feel. I’m just beside myself at this point thinking our journey will be terminated and I feel completely helpless. 

Expand  

It is up the MD to make that decision. That is out of our control. Just be honest about it and he will decide. 

[JeanneAdil 6,791]

Recrecreational and medical mariguana are legal in Michigan

they just need to know the states like Indiana,  Pa that aren't legal when they travel

and not to take it on a plane or into Canada

 

https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/legal-medical-marijuana-states-and-dc/

[Lahmacun 1]

"Medical" 🤔

[Daphne . 2,002]

  On 1/29/2024 at 5:10 PM, Lahmacun said:

"Medical" 🤔

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 Yes, a way better option (preferably not smoke it, but use the oil) than socially acceptable morphine or other horrible prescribed medications for example! I assume you are not aware that it can be used for that purpose?

 

OP: how did he manage the pain when he was visiting you in the US? The reason I am asking is because they can try to challenge him on that, they might wonder why he didn't 'need' it in the US. I hope this all works out for you!