US Supreme Court To Rule If Marijuana Users Can Own Guns

In a case that could reshape America’s gun laws once again, the US Supreme Court is set to decide whether regular marijuana users can legally own guns. The decision could have sweeping consequences for millions of Americans, as the court revisits the fine line between Second Amendment rights and federal drug laws.

The Trump administration has urged the US Supreme Court to revive a case against Ali Danial Hemani, a Texas man charged with a felony after allegedly keeping a gun in his home while admitting to being a regular marijuana user. His lawyers successfully got the charge dismissed when a lower court ruled that banning gun ownership for marijuana users violated the Second Amendment.

However, the Justice Department wants the Supreme Court to reinstate the case, arguing that regular drug users—including marijuana users—pose a serious public safety risk. They insist that while the government supports gun rights, the Second Amendment was never intended to protect individuals who are “under the influence” of illegal drugs.

A Clash Between Gun Rights and Federal Drug Laws

At the heart of the debate lies a contradiction: marijuana is legal for recreational or medical use in about half of US states, yet it remains illegal under federal law. The question before the US Supreme Court—whether marijuana users can own guns—reflects this tension between state freedoms and federal restrictions.

Hemani’s lawyers argue that the federal gun ban for marijuana users unfairly targets millions of responsible adults who legally consume marijuana under state laws. They say the law is so broad that it criminalizes ordinary citizens for merely admitting to marijuana use, even if they pose no threat to anyone.

According to federal health data, nearly 20% of Americans have tried marijuana, meaning millions could technically face violations if the law is applied strictly. For many, the US Supreme Court’s ruling will determine whether being a marijuana user automatically disqualifies someone from exercising their constitutional right to bear arms.

The 2022 Gun Rights Ruling’s Ripple Effect

This case marks another major test for the Supreme Court’s 2022 landmark decision, which expanded the interpretation of the Second Amendment. That ruling affirmed that Americans have a broad right to carry guns in public for self-defense, sparking numerous legal challenges to existing firearm restrictions.

Now, the upcoming hearing will show how far that expanded view of gun rights can go—especially when it collides with the federal government’s long-standing stance on drugs.

The Trump administration’s appeal highlights this conflict. While Republicans often champion gun rights, the administration argues that some limits—like barring regular marijuana users—are essential to maintain safety and order. The case also underscores the deep divisions in American society over guns, drugs, and personal freedom.

Public and Political Reactions

The case has drawn sharp reactions nationwide. Gun rights advocates argue that denying firearms to marijuana users is inconsistent and discriminatory, especially when alcohol consumers face no such restrictions. Proponents of the ban counter that marijuana can impair judgment, making gun possession dangerous.

The US Supreme Court’s decision—expected by early summer 2026—could set a historic precedent. If the justices side with Hemani, it could force Congress to revisit how marijuana laws intersect with gun ownership. If they side with the Justice Department, it could reaffirm the federal government’s power to limit gun rights under certain conditions.

For millions of marijuana users who legally own guns, the outcome could redefine what it means to balance freedom with responsibility in modern America.

Global Perspective

The world is watching closely as the US Supreme Court weighs this issue. As more countries debate legalizing marijuana, the case could influence international policies on the relationship between drug use and firearm ownership.

In Canada and several European nations, marijuana users are not automatically banned from owning guns, as long as they meet safety standards. But in the United States, where both gun rights and marijuana use are politically charged, this legal battle could become a defining moment in constitutional law.

The US Supreme Court’s decision on whether marijuana users can own guns is more than just a legal case—it’s a reflection of America’s ongoing struggle to reconcile liberty with law. With arguments expected in early 2026, all eyes are on Washington as the nation waits to see how history, freedom, and safety will intersect once again.