Consequences for working in a medical marijuana dispensary?

[vestrit77]

Hey,

I was offered a job in a dispensary, but I haven't actually taken it.
I was wondering if working there gave grounds for deportation, or if it would seriously harm my chances for Permanent Residence?
I don't smoke weed or any kind of drug, it's just a clerical job and I wouldn't even be handling the product itself.
The Immigration offices are closed, so I need to find out really soon.
If anyone can give me an unbiased, factual answer for this that would be great.
It's such a grey area and I don't wanna get in trouble after only having landed here.

Thanks.

 

[Lammawitch]

1. Immigration offices can't and won't answer the question.

2. Personally, I wouldn't risk it: while Vancouver has introduced legislation regulating medical marijuana dispensaries, Health Canada insists they are illegal.

 

[torontosm]

Hey,

I was offered a job in a dispensary, but I haven't actually taken it.
I was wondering if working there gave grounds for deportation, or if it would seriously harm my chances for Permanent Residence?
I don't smoke weed or any kind of drug, it's just a clerical job and I wouldn't even be handling the product itself.
The Immigration offices are closed, so I need to find out really soon.
If anyone can give me an unbiased, factual answer for this that would be great.
It's such a grey area and I don't wanna get in trouble after only having landed here.

Thanks.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are legally licensed to conduct business and I can't see any way the government could discriminate against you for working at one. There are plenty of other questionable businesses out there, and I have never heard of anyone working at one of establishments being treated unfairly because of the nature of their work.

 

[Ponga]

When you say that you were offered the job...did that include the employer jumping through the hoops required for you to get a work permit?

If what you're really asking, is if working illegally for this particular employer (or any other employer) without a WP will be grounds for your removal from Canada...I'd say yes; it could very well cause you problems down the road.

 

[Quink]

When you say that you were offered the job...did that include the employer jumping through the hoops required for you to get a work permit?

If what you're really asking, is if working illegally for this particular employer (or any other employer) without a WP will be grounds for your removal from Canada...I'd say yes; it could very well cause you problems down the road.

I got the impression OP was here on an open work permit (like IEC or something) and is worried about future options for PR with this type of work in their history.

I don't think it will technically matter, but I can see why you'd be worried. I'd be more concerned that since it's a grey area there's always a chance that the RCMP might shut down the operation and collect names. You'll probably be fine, but it's not really a headache you're going to want. Getting PR is hard enough - I'd look to get a different job that doesn't carry any risk at all. Just my opinion though - I'm probably a little more risk adverse than most people.