The U.S. Supreme Court has granted the Biden administration additional time to decide whether it will challenge a lower court ruling that declared it unconstitutional to ban cannabis users from owning firearms. The extension gives the government more room to consider its next move in a case with major implications for both Second Amendment rights and federal cannabis policy.
The case stems from a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which found that the federal prohibition on gun ownership for people who use marijuana violates the Constitution. The court argued that simply using cannabis—especially in states where it’s legal—does not justify taking away someone’s right to bear arms.
Federal law currently bars anyone who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to” a controlled substance from purchasing or possessing firearms. Since marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law, this restriction applies to all cannabis users, even those who use it legally under state programs.
The Fifth Circuit ruling marked a significant break from that tradition, prompting speculation about how the federal government would respond. By requesting and receiving an extension from the Supreme Court, the Biden administration has signaled it is still evaluating whether to challenge the decision and seek a nationwide precedent—or let the ruling stand.
Advocates of cannabis reform argue that the existing law is outdated, unfair, and discriminatory. They point out that alcohol users can legally own guns, even though alcohol is linked to far more violent incidents than cannabis. They also argue that the law forces cannabis users to choose between their medicine and their constitutional rights.
On the other side, government officials and some gun control advocates warn that removing the restriction could create complications in law enforcement and gun safety, particularly in areas where cannabis remains illegal.
The Supreme Court has not yet agreed to hear the case, but if the Biden administration decides to pursue it, the issue could become a high-profile test of how cannabis laws intersect with gun rights and federal enforcement powers.
As more states legalize cannabis and more courts question outdated drug laws, the tension between state and federal policy continues to grow. The outcome of this case could help define how rights and regulations evolve in an era of shifting public opinion and expanding legalization.
For more on topics like these, check this link out HEMP INDUSTRY THRIVES IN 2024 DESPITE DELTA-8 BAN PUSH
