WASHINGTON (RTW News) — The U.S. Supreme Court announced on Monday its intention to review whether individuals who regularly smoke marijuana can legally own firearms, a pivotal firearm case in the wake of its 2022 ruling that expanded gun rights.
The case was prompted by a request from the Trump administration to reinstate charges against a Texas resident, Ali Danial Hemani, who faced felony charges for owning a gun while being a known marijuana user.
A lower court previously threw out the charges, citing that the broad law banning all drug users from possessing guns violates constitutional rights to bear arms. The issue at hand revolves around a law that prohibits firearm ownership for individuals involved with illicit drugs, despite a notable increase in states legalizing recreational marijuana use.
The Justice Department has argued that this ban is necessary for public safety, citing instances where drug users may pose a risk due to erratic behavior. The arguments are expected to take place in early 2026, with a decision predicted by summer.
The discussion of firearms access intersects with broader conversations regarding drug legalization and Second Amendment rights, leaving many to speculate how the court's ruling might further reshape gun regulations across the nation.
As part of this ongoing saga, the Supreme Court's previous decisions signify a shift towards a more lenient interpretation of gun rights, though there remains tight scrutiny on specific legislation such as laws aimed at protecting individuals from domestic violence.
