Regardless of the recent changes in Minnesota law related to marijuana, an individual who is a current user of marijuana is prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition. Read for details:https://t.co/qS9rBdKyzb pic.twitter.com/TgAOXxQzCX
— ATF St. Paul (@ATFStPaul) May 30, 2023
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has some timely words of wisdom for Minnesotan gun owners and enthusiasts amid the recent relaxation of the state’s marijuana laws.
Brace yourselves, folks, because the federal law hasn’t quite caught the green wave just yet.
Here’s the real deal: The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 is crystal clear on this — anyone unlawfully using or addicted to any controlled substance, per the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, is out of bounds when it comes to handling or possessing firearms or ammunition.
So, despite Minnesota’s recent friendly nod towards marijuana use, you’re still playing in dangerous territory if you partake and also own a gun.
To the Feds, you’re an “unlawful user” of a controlled substance, which puts you on the no-go list for shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition.
“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 a press release.
SEE ALSO: Minnesota Lawmaker Looking to Reschedule Marijuana to Protect Gun Rights
“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,” Reed continued
And here’s where things get even more harrowing for pot smokers. If you’re looking to buy firearms from an FFL, you need to declare on an ATF Form 4473 whether you’re an unlawful user of marijuana. And you’d better be truthful because the stakes are high.
Lying on the ATF Form 4473? That’s a serious offense. It’s a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or up to a $250,000 fine. So, cannabis users really need to think twice before they consider fudging the truth.
Back in 2011, as more states loosened up on marijuana laws, the ATF wrote an open letter to Federal Firearms Licensees. It reminded them that it’s a no-no to transfer a firearm to someone they know or suspect to be an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
Just to hammer the point home: marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substance Act. That puts it in the big leagues with substances like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.
The Feds aren’t budging on this one, folks — there’s no medicinal or recreational exception for marijuana use.
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Thank God if a government approved dope pusher called a doctor prescribes methadone, Prozac or morphine you are covered to exercise your constitutional rights with no infringements.
But drinking and having a weapon is ??? Really atf ??? Pot smokers aren’t getting up to shot anyone . And reloading is way out of the question. A drunk will manually put the bullet in you befor reloading.but smoking pot and a gun is the most dangerous here . Stupid is as stupid does
The Obama administration made public fact of this by changing Form 4473 while he was in office. Anybody reading it during purchase should be aware of it, and anyone signing up for any type of mj treatment should be advised of this.
As evidenced by the lack of indictment of a certain crackhead… that particular substance must not be controlled?!? Perhaps “ye olde potheads” should make the switch!
Good one lol . Seems Crack heads have better options.
Yes , this is the law at the federal level . No question .
I’ve made the point previously , that this matter was
settled at the conclusion of “ that damned War “ ,
( 1861-65 ) . Federal law overrides State law .
Like it or not , that’s the way it is .
Want a weapon , don’t smoke dope .
Smoke dope and you’re caught with a firearm ,
you have the possibility of doing Federal time .
Simple as that .
“ So ‘solly ,G.I.” .
so many police agencies have been sued and have lost now ATFandE. are refusing the federal courts.Its time they are legally taken down to size by the Federal Court system they work for the government they don’t own it.
Gotta be a Biden tben no worries!
well one will have to make a choice drugs or guns (unless you are an elite)! FYI I saw this coming years ago as a backdoor to gun control!
Just another version of the same federal trap. Conflicting laws, changing “rulings.”