It looks like they were refused a visa, probably because of the drugs stuff, but if they recommended applying for a waiver, that's not a flat refusal. It might just be that they don't want to take responsibility for it, or their procedure says they have to refuse a visa and recommend an application for a waiver.

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If you are to punish a man retributively you must injure him. If you are to reform him you must improve him. And men are not improved by injuries. (George Bernard Shaw)

Does this mean you have been refused entry?

Hey what type of visa are you applying for?

I thought it would be a good idea to post my progress.
Date of interview: 21 Feb 2023
ACRO: caution (criminal damage), a warning and a reprimand for cultivation of cannabis - all as a juvenile. Simple caution at 20 for protesting. All of these are concealed on ACRO certificate as 'no live trace'. 
Decision by US adjudicator in London: Inadmissible
Recommendation: Waiver of Inadmissibility.

Perhaps other people could post their progress etc.