Gun, Ammo Purchases Still Banned for Marijuana Users

(KNSI) – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is reminding Minnesotans that legal marijuana doesn't change anything for potential gun owners.

The ATF says the federal Gun Control Act of 1968 bans an unlawful drug user or addict from possessing firearms or ammunition. Even with recreational marijuana permitted now in the state beginning in August, it remains prohibited federally.

When submitting to a background check for a gun purchase, people must swear under potential legal penalty that they are not using marijuana. ATF Special Agent Jeff Reed says, "Until marijuana is legalized federally, firearms owners and possessors should be mindful that it remains federally illegal to mix marijuana with firearms and ammunition."

Marijuana is a Schedule One drug in the federal code, which means it has no accepted medical use and can be abused. That puts it in the same category as ecstasy, heroin, or LSD.

___

Copyright 2023 Leighton Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.