Tourists smoking cannabis in California could get banned from the country for LIFE – even though it’s legal
While marijuana for recreational use may be legal in California and other states, it remains illegal under US federal law
CALIFORNIA’S progression to legalising marijuana hasn’t been all peace-out and chill.
First, many of the new commercial operations set up to grow and supply legal marijuana were burnt out in wildfires late last year.
Then on January 1, when adult recreational use became legal, few places had completed the necessary paperwork or received their licences to legally sell cannabis.
Medical pot stores, which have been legal in California for more than two decades, must receive new state permits to continue operating and many haven’t arrived yet.
But now, there’s also cautionary tale for any tourists visiting California who might like to smoke cannabis.
Even though dope consumption is now legal in the state, non-citizens could still land themselves in hot water for indulging.
Anyone who isn’t a United States citizen would be careful before they partake, warns an article in the San Diego Union Tribune.
They point out that while marijuana for recreational use may be legal in California and other states, it remains illegal under US federal law.
Until now, President Donald Trump’s administration had made no massive moves to interfere or prosecute in any state where pot was sold legally to adults.
But earlier this week, US Attorney-General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama administration memo that recommended a hands-off approach to marijuana prosecution in states that have legalised its use.
This indicates a possible crackdown on the federal law.
So, while medicinal marijuana store owners in LA take out billboards near Los Angeles International Airport, visiting Brits should know that smoking weed could still land them in trouble.
According to the Tribune, if a border agent even finds out that a foreigner entering the country on a visa has used the drug, they can be banned for life.
Green card holders can also be in trouble if they smoke cannabis while on holiday outside of the US.
If an agent finds pictures of the person at a weed dispensary, for instance, they could also be barred entry to the US.
Immigration lawyer Andrew Nietor told the newspaper: “One of the grounds for inadmissibility is whether you are a drug abuser or drug addict.
“The big problem right now is that there is so much confusion that someone could engage in an activity that involves them getting a license from the state, and the Federal Government could say that activity is unlawful and result in permanent exile from the US.
“That is interpreted fairly conservatively. Any admission of prior drug use will often lead to a presumption that the person has a controlled substance problem.”
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Another immigration lawyer, Allan Lolly, said he had seen clients apply for visas, especially from the UK or Jamaica, and have them refused over marijuana use.
More than 1300 immigrants were refused visas because of drug use in the 2016 financial year, according Department of State figures, and more than 3000 people were unable to get temporary visas.
So we definitely wouldn't advise any Brits sign up to this Californian vacation company that offers a five-day "experiential cannabis retreat".
At the Cannabliss retreat in Ojai, California, guests are fed cannabis-infused meals and take part in cannabis-influenced activities like yoga and painting.
A version of this story originally and was republished with permission.