Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under US federal law, regardless of state legalization. USCIS treats marijuana use as a potential Class A condition, even in states where recreational marijuana is legal.
What the Civil Surgeon asks
The substance-use screening on the I-693 asks about current and past drug use. If you disclose marijuana use within the past 12 months — even in a state where it’s legal — the Civil Surgeon must document it and may classify it as a Class A condition.
What this means for your case
A Class A drug-use determination renders you inadmissible. Waivers exist but are limited. Speak with an immigration attorney before your medical exam if marijuana use is part of your history.
USCIS policy update April 2019
USCIS issued PA-2019-02 clarifying that any marijuana-related conduct — including state-legal use, employment, or investment — may render an applicant inadmissible. The 2024 Schedule III rescheduling proposal has not been finalized and does not change USCIS policy.
If you have questions about how this applies to your situation, it’s worth raising when you book your I-693 exam.