Can I Own a Gun with a Medical Marijuana Card in Connecticut?

• Having a medical marijuana card can jeopardize your right to get a Connecticut pistol permits.
• Federal law prohibits anyone who uses marijuana from owning or buying firearms.
• This stems from the Federal Government classifying marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug.

• If you have a medical marijuana card in Connecticut and want to get a pistol permit, you may have to choose one or the other.

What is a Medical Marijuana Card in Connecticut?

If you are being treated for a debilitating medical condition such as cancer, glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, or chronic pain you may be eligible to obtain a medical marijuana card. This card allows you to legally purchase and carry up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana.

How Does My Medical Marijuana Card Affect My Ability to Hold a Connecticut Pistol Permit?

You essentially have to choose one or the other. Having a Connecticut Medical Marijuana card effectively prohibits you from obtaining a Connecticut Pistol Permit because marijuana’s status as a schedule one drug.

What is a Connecticut Pistol Permit?

A Connecticut Pistol Permit allows you to buy and carry firearms. This process is significantly more complex than obtaining a medical marijuana card. First you must apply to your local police department for a temporary permit. Then, you have to apply to the Connecticut State Police for a permit. After passing through the various background checks, you may be awarded a Pistol Permit.

Is Marijuana Legal in Connecticut?

Connecticut has decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. If you have more than ½ ounce of marijuana and you do not have a medical marijuana card, you can be arrested. To find out more about possession of marijuana crimes, click here.

Is Marijuana Legal Under Federal Law?

No. Under Federal law, marijuana is still considered to be a Schedule One controlled substance. That means it is considered to have a high potential for abuse. So, despite Connecticut decriminalizing small amounts and making medical marijuana legal, federal law still outright bans it. Click here to learn more about fighting Connecticut marijuana possession arrests, including possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

How Can the Federal Government Stop Me from Getting a Connecticut Pistol Permit?

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” [to] “possess . . . or receive any firearm or ammunition.” It is also illegal for anyone to sell a firearm to someone they believe is unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance. Since marijuana is considered a controlled substance, it is illegal for you to possess firearms. So even if you obtain your Connecticut permit, you will not be allowed to use it to purchase or carry firearms.

Contact a Connecticut Pistol Permit Attorney Today

Don’t let the government bully you into choosing between your rights. If you are a medical marijuana user and you have been denied a pistol permit, you need to contact a top Connecticut Pistol Permit attorney today. Read from our hundreds of certified Avvo.com reviews. Then, give us a call.