As more states legalized medical marijuana — let alone recreational use — the Congress will face more pressure to ease federal laws prohibiting gun ownership for those who use weed.
Across the country, states have incrementally embraced legalizing medical marijuana despite its federal classification as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Federal law enforcement has largely looked the other way, deferring to state legislatures when it comes to medical cannabis — but not when it comes to guns, which are illegal to buy under federal law if you use marijuana.
And nowhere does this hit harder than gun-loving Texas, where advocates like (Joshua) Raines lined up to call for expanding the list of conditions eligible for medical marijuana during the legislative session but are now thinking twice about whether they’re willing to give up their ability to purchase a firearm.
“To tell Texans you can’t purchase a firearm if you have a compassionate use card is unconscionable,” said Rachel Malone, Texas director for Gun Owners of America. “We should not force people to choose between gun ownership and taking care of themselves.”
– Rebekah Allen and James Barragan in Will Texans give up gun rights to get medical marijuana? Federal government says they have to