Colorado’s governor is pushing back against efforts—supported by officials in his own state—to defend a federal rule that blocks marijuana users from owning firearms.
At the center of the fight is a federal statute that bars “unlawful users” of controlled substances from possessing guns. Because marijuana is still federally illegal, the restriction applies even in states where cannabis is legal. The U.S. Supreme Court is now reviewing whether that rule violates the Second Amendment, a decision that could reshape gun and cannabis policy nationwide.
Governor Jared Polis has argued that people shouldn’t lose gun rights simply for using marijuana—especially when similar restrictions don’t apply to alcohol. He’s also called for faster federal cannabis reform, including rescheduling marijuana, saying current policy interferes with constitutional rights for people living in legal states.
The dispute highlights a broader national divide: some policymakers see the rule as a public safety safeguard, while others view it as outdated federal policy that conflicts with modern legalization laws. With a Supreme Court decision expected in 2026, the outcome could impact millions of cannabis consumers across the country.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
