Federal Appeals Court Once Again Rejects Blanket Gun Ban for Cannabis Consumers

A federal appeals court has ruled against a blanket ban on gun ownership for cannabis users, reaffirming that the Second Amendment rights of individuals cannot be infringed solely based on their past substance use. In the case of US v Connelly, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals stated that there is no historical justification for disarming sober citizens, regardless of their prior marijuana use. The court noted that similar historical precedents do not exist for alcoholics, emphasizing that the government failed to provide a meaningful rationale for the ban. This ruling marks the second time the 5th Circuit has rejected broad applications of federal statutes that criminalize gun ownership for those with a history of marijuana use. NORML's Deputy Director, Paul Armentano, commented that past or current cannabis use should not disqualify individuals from constitutional protections. However, he acknowledged that these rulings are not binding nationwide and called for a resolution from either the Supreme Court or Congress to clarify the rights of cannabis consumers regarding gun ownership. A separate legal challenge against the federal ban is still pending in the 11th Circuit.

- The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against a blanket gun ban for cannabis users.

- The court emphasized that Second Amendment rights cannot be infringed based solely on past substance use.

- Historical precedents do not support disarming sober individuals with a history of marijuana use.

- NORML advocates for clearer legal protections for cannabis consumers regarding gun ownership.

- A separate legal challenge to the federal ban is ongoing in the 11th Circuit.