It may come as a surprise to many, but in the United States, if you have a medical marijuana card, you are not legally allowed to own a gun. This may seem unfair to those who use medical marijuana for legitimate medical reasons and want to protect themselves and their homes with a firearm. However, there are important reasons for this law, and it is important to understand the implications and potential consequences of having both a medical marijuana card and a gun.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Even though some states have legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational use, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) still considers it to be a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This puts marijuana in the same category as drugs like heroin and LSD.
Because of this federal classification, anyone who uses marijuana, even if they have a valid medical marijuana card, is considered to be an unlawful user of a controlled substance. And under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is an unlawful user of a controlled substance to possess a firearm or ammunition. This means that if you have a medical marijuana card, you are not legally allowed to own a gun.
But why is this the case? The main reason is that there are concerns about the potential risks associated with combining marijuana use and firearms. For one, marijuana can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, which can make it dangerous to handle a firearm.
It is also worth noting that, although some states have legalized marijuana for medical use, it is still illegal to use marijuana while in possession of a firearm in those states. This means that even if you have a medical marijuana card and live in a state where marijuana is legal, you cannot use marijuana while you are in possession of a firearm.
So what can you do if you have a medical marijuana card and want to own a gun? Unfortunately, the only option is to give up your medical marijuana card. If you are willing to do that, you can then legally own a gun. But this might not be a good choice for many people who use medical marijuana to deal with chronic pain, anxiety, or other health problems.
If you have a medical marijuana card, you are not legally allowed to own a gun. This may seem unfair, but it is important to understand the reasons for this law and the potential risks associated with combining marijuana use and firearms. If you want to own a gun, you will need to give up your medical marijuana card.
If you have a medical marijuana card and want to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner, visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) website for more information.
