Q: Can smoking weed affect my SSI benefits for bipolar disorder and PTSD?
I am currently receiving SSI benefits for bipolar disorder and PTSD. I have concerns about whether using marijuana could affect my benefits, even though I haven’t used any. Can smoking weed lead to losing my SSI benefits?
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- Answered
A:
You're right to think carefully about how marijuana use might impact your SSI benefits. The good news is that in California, using marijuana—even for recreational reasons—is legal under state law. The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t automatically take away benefits just because someone uses weed. What matters most is whether your medical condition still meets their criteria for disability.
If marijuana use interferes with your ability to follow treatment plans or causes new issues, that could raise questions. For example, if a doctor notes that weed is making your symptoms worse or that you're not following treatment because of it, the SSA might look into that. But just using weed by itself, especially if it’s not causing problems, is not usually a reason for them to cut off benefits.
You also don’t need to worry about drug testing from Social Security. They don’t require it. Still, it’s a good idea to be open with your doctor and stay consistent with your treatment. As long as your condition continues to meet the criteria and you’re taking care of your health, smoking weed alone shouldn’t affect your SSI.
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