Secondment to US. What can I do about medicinal prescription?

[Liiam]

I’ll be visiting Chicago this year.

All the information is confusing.

So what I understand is that it’s illegal on federal law, but the federal agents will likely consider the state law. I mean likely isn’t even good enough for me considering it’s secondment in the law industry so I cannot take any risks.

Has anyone spoken to the US Embassy and ever received any permission to travel to the states with their cannabis prescription? I can’t even find a contact to email on their website as that’s all confusing too.

Thanks!

 

[node]

I’ll be visiting Chicago this year.

All the information is confusing.

So what I understand is that it’s illegal on federal law, but the federal agents will likely consider the state law. I mean likely isn’t even good enough for me considering it’s secondment in the law industry so I cannot take any risks.

Has anyone spoken to the US Embassy and ever received any permission to travel to the states with their cannabis prescription? I can’t even find a contact to email on their website as that’s all confusing too.

Thanks!

Welcome mate. I know sweet fanny adams about the situation in Chicago - someone may know here but email your clinic - let them handle it (yea or nay).

 

[Muiredach]

Hey @Liiam, welcome There is no way you can legally travel with meds to the USA whatsoever, inbound international travel is controlled at the federal level and goes beyond state jurisdiction.

Cannabis is legal in Illinois as you say, personally when travelling to the states I buy over-the-counter there - and it's probably your best bet overall.

Note, you should never inform anyone that you consume cannabis whatsoever on your way into the country - even admitting to have used cannabis previously is grounds to be refused entry to the country. People are often subjected to random (or targeted) screening interviews at the gate before even boarding to the US from the UK.

 

[Liiam]

Hey @Liiam, welcome There is no way you can legally travel with meds to the USA whatsoever, inbound international travel is controlled at the federal level and goes beyond state jurisdiction.

Cannabis is legal in Illinois as you say, personally when travelling to the states I buy over-the-counter there - and it's probably your best bet overall.

Note, you should never inform anyone that you consume cannabis whatsoever on your way into the country - even admitting to have used cannabis previously is grounds to be refused entry to the country. People are often subjected to random (or targeted) screening interviews at the gate before even boarding to the US from the UK.

Yeah the problem with this is Chicago my inbound but will be going to different states/cities too (St Louis, NY & Miami.)

Think I need to sit down with my managers about this as I think they’ll allow it on basis it’s states I can get it legally. (Work have been very supportive with medicinal cannabis I have to say.)

I really appreciate the welcomes and the solid advice all.

 

[Liiam]

Oh and happy new year!

 

[Muiredach]

Once you're within the US, you can't really travel by plane with cannabis legally. All airports involve federal jurisdiction to my understanding. The TSA aren't looking for cannabis, and likely wouldn't check, but it is grounds for expulsion from the country if caught on an ESTA, or a VISA.

I've driven from Los Angeles to Chicago with meds picked up in Las Vegas (7 days!), though in hindsight might have travelled through some states where it wasn't legal - think I only consumed in legal states though

Far as work is concerned, I feel the argument is a clinician in the UK has prescribed medical cannabis to manage your health conditions - and given that you can't travel to the US with your meds, restricting you to accessing alternatives in the US could be grounds for further legal action. Article 2 of the Human Rights Act protects the right to life, and Article 8 covers aspects of your right to a private life too which may be applicable.

Your problem is going to be Miami, you can pick up in St. Louis or New York – but Florida is only legal for medical use right now, and you would need state ID and a social security number to access a card there.

Oh and happy new year!

Happy New Year to you too, best of luck for your trip