Stay Away From Marijuana (Cannabis)-Related Activities & Industries
Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, including someone who is a lawful permanent resident, any person on any type of visa, and even someone with no immigration status, is prohibited from using, possessing, or working with marijuana. Even though it is legal in Colorado and many other states and countries, it remains a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act and use of marijuana in any form is illegal under federal law. Furthermore, federal immigration law provides specific immigration penalties--including permanently barring someone from entering the U.S.-- for possession, use, or working in the legal marijuana industry anywhere in the world. Growing marijuana, using marijuana medically or recreationally, and working in industries associated with marijuana (and likely cannabidiol or CBD, such as working in a lab extracting CBD oils for medical purposes) can have extreme negative immigration consequences.
Both international student and scholar visas and SEVIS records are maintained by agencies of the federal government. If these federal agencies discover any illegal drug use, including marijuana usage, they may revoke the offenders visa.
Please review these articles and videos:
If you have questions regarding marijuana as it relates to your status, please consult an appropriate attorney.