Prof. Linus Chan Quoted by MPR About the Importance of Immigrants Understanding Distinctions in Cannabis Laws

Professor Linus Chan was quoted by MPR regarding the importance of immigrants who are not yet citizens to understand distinctions of current cannabis laws. Cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older to use and possess in Minnesota. However, it is still illegal under federal law. Noncitizens could face immigration consequences for cannabis possession, even though it may be legal under state law. Chan said the system can be a challenge to navigate for attorneys as well. “Often people, when they refer to whether something is a crime or not, they're not distinguishing between state law and federal law,” Chan said. “So it's very rare, for instance, that people talk in that way. And so it can be confusing for attorneys as well, and having to look at two different forms of law.”