Feds: combining cannabis with guns or ammo is still illegal

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has clarified that despite the recent legalization of marijuana in Minnesota, anyone who uses the drug is prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing firearms or ammunition.

"Regardless of the recent changes in Minnesota law related to the legalization of marijuana, an individual who is a current user of marijuana is still federally defined as an ‘unlawful user’ of a controlled substance," under the federal Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the ATF noted in its statement issued on Tuesday.

"Until marijuana is legalized federally, firearms owners and possessors should be mindful that it remains federally illegal to mix marijuana with firearms and ammunition," said ATF's Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Reed of the St. Paul Field Division in the statement. "As regulators of the firearms industry and enforcers of firearms laws, we felt it was important to remind Minnesotans of this distinction as the marijuana laws adjust here in the State of Minnesota."

Before buying a firearm, someone must state — on ATF Form 4473 — whether they use marijuana, the ATF says.

Federal law does not provide any exception allowing the use of marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes, the ATF noted.

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