As medical marijuana becomes more widely accepted across the United States, many wonder how it affects their rights and privileges. In Florida, medical marijuana is legal, but the more significant issue is whether a person can own a gun with a medical marijuana card. For many, it’s an important question to consider before deciding on a medical marijuana card. Let’s explore the answer further.
The Problem of Federal v State Cannabis Laws
Unfortunately, the laws surrounding medical cannabis are still quite confusing in many states, including Florida. The federal government considers cannabis an illegal substance, while many states have legalized its use for medicinal and recreational purposes. This discrepancy between state and federal law creates problems regarding owning guns as legal medical cannabis users.
Can You Buy A Gun With A Medical Marijuana Card?
No, you cannot purchase a gun from a licensed firearms dealer if you have a medical marijuana card in Florida. Since cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, people with medical marijuana cards may not buy guns from dealers or pawn shops in Florida or any other state that has legalized cannabis usage. According to federal law, anyone who uses illegal drugs or has been diagnosed with a mental disorder that affects their ability to handle firearms safely is prohibited from buying or possessing firearms or ammunition.
Those who wish to own firearms often take advantage of this loophole and have a medical marijuana card. However, there’s a flip side to this—the state doesn’t share any information with the federal government regarding your medical marijuana card, so if you buy a gun through an unlicensed dealer or by some other means, it’s not necessarily illegal. Additionally, no specific federal or state regulation prohibits someone with a medical marijuana card from possessing firearms they already own.
Do You Have To Surrender Any Current Firearms?
The federal government cannot make you surrender any current firearms even if you get approved for a medical marijuana card in Florida or any other state where cannabis usage is legal. However, if you possess firearms before getting your medical marijuana card in Florida, you don’t need to surrender them. That said, it’s important to note that local laws may differ, so it’s always best to check with your local authorities for more information before deciding your firearm ownership rights as a registered medical marijuana patient in Florida.
In summary, no one can purchase firearms from licensed dealers with a Medical Marijuana Card issued in Florida because of Federal Law. However, those already owning guns do not need to surrender them, despite having an approved Medical Marijuana Card issued by the State of Florida. Keeping informed about all laws related to this matter will help ensure compliance at the state and federal levels! As always, consult with your local authorities for more information and clarification on this topic before deciding to involve firearm ownership and possession as someone who has been approved for Medical Marijuana treatment in the State of Florida.
Palm Coast Cannabis Clinic constantly meets patients with concerns about the state and federal conflict regarding medical marijuana and firearms. We hope this article will provide clarity on this confusing issue. The Florida Agricultural Commissioner, Nikki Fried, is in charge of issuing concealed weapons permits and is a big proponent of medical marijuana. She ALSO carries a concealed weapons permit AND a medical marijuana card. Read her interview about Florida’s laws on firearms and medical marijuana at the following link: https://www.cannamd.com/florida-firearms-medical-marijuana-nikki-fried-exclusive/ `
