The state of Illinois was one of the first to legalize medical marijuana, offering relief to patients with serious medical conditions or chronic pain. Unfortunately, for non-citizens who have immigration issues, while marijuana may be legal in the state, it is federally illegal and can have serious immigration consequences. Under federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
This means use, possession, or virtually any involvement (regardless of a doctor’s prescription) can be treated as a federal drug offense. If you are applying for a green card or a visa, seeking naturalization, or reentering the United States, any records suggesting cannabis use could mean denial, inadmissibility, or even deportation. You must understand the risks of using medical marijuana, and consulting with an experienced Bloomingdale, IL immigration attorney is the best way to do that.