Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Washington

Living in Washington is great, especially since our state is so modern when it comes to cannabis. But this can make other rules, like those about owning guns, feel extra confusing. You might be asking yourself if you can use legal marijuana for your health and also keep your right to own a gun.

It’s a really important question. The answer to “Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Washington?” is complicated. This is because there’s a big disagreement between Washington’s state laws and the laws of the whole country. Let’s break it all down in a simple way.

What Washington State Law Says

First, let’s look at what our own state of Washington says. Our laws are different from many other places, and this is where the confusion often begins. Washington tries to protect the rights of its residents in its own way.

Understanding the local rules is the first step.

A Progressive Stance on Cannabis

Washington is one of the few states where both recreational and medical marijuana are legal. For medical use, a doctor or another healthcare provider can give you an authorization if you have a health condition that qualifies. This allows you to join the state’s medical cannabis program.

For those just starting on this journey, it’s helpful to know you can often get approved for your medical card online in minutes. The process is designed to be as easy as possible for patients who need care.

The Washington State Medical Marijuana Database

Here is a very important point for people in Washington. When you become a medical marijuana patient, you can choose to be entered into the state’s medical marijuana database. Under state law, this database is completely private and confidential.

The Washington State Department of Health has even said that being in this database does not take away your right to own a gun under state law. This makes many people think there is no problem. But sadly, it’s not that simple.

The Federal Law Barrier

Now we get to the big issue. No matter what our laws in Washington say, we still have to follow federal laws. The federal government, which makes laws for the whole country, has a very different view on marijuana.

This is where the rights of medical marijuana patients and gun owners crash into each other.

Marijuana is Still Illegal to the U.S. Government

Even though marijuana is legal here, the U.S. government still says it is a Schedule I illegal drug. This means they put it in the same group as very dangerous drugs like heroin. This is the single biggest reason for all the confusion and legal problems.

So, in the eyes of the federal government, anyone who uses cannabis is breaking federal law. This is true even if you have a medical card and follow every single rule in Washington.

The Gun Control Act of 1968

There is an old and powerful federal law called the Gun Control Act. This law states that anyone who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” is not allowed to buy or even have a gun.

Because the federal government considers all marijuana users to be “unlawful users,” this law directly applies to every medical patient in Washington. There are no exceptions for medical use.

The Gun Store Reality: Facing ATF Form 4473

This whole legal mess becomes very real when you try to buy a gun. At any gun store, you have to fill out a federal form. This form is where you are forced to choose between your medicine and a firearm.

It’s called the ATF Form 4473, and it is a serious legal document.

What is Form 4473?

The ATF Form 4473 is a background check form from the U.S. government. You must fill it out every single time you buy a gun from a business with a Federal Firearm License (FFL). This includes pretty much every gun store.

The form asks a lot of questions to see if you are legally allowed to buy a gun.

The Make-or-Break Question

On this form, there is a question that puts medical marijuana users in a tough spot. It asks directly if you are an unlawful user of marijuana. To make things crystal clear, there is a warning in big, bold letters right on the form.

The warning says that federal law is what matters, not state law. It clearly states that marijuana is illegal under federal law, even if it’s used for medical reasons. So, if you use medical cannabis, the only truthful answer is “yes.”

The Serious Consequences of Lying

What if you just check “no”? Doing so is lying on a federal document, which is a felony crime called perjury. This is not like a small fib; it is a very serious offense with life-changing consequences.

If you are caught lying on the form, you could face huge fines and be sentenced to up to 10 years in federal prison. It is simply not a risk worth taking.

So, Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Washington?

After looking at all of this, let’s get to a clear and simple conclusion. What does this all mean for you, living here in Washington? We need to give you a straight answer.

Here is the bottom line on this important question.

Buying New Firearms is Prohibited

Under federal law, you cannot legally buy a gun from a licensed dealer if you are a medical marijuana patient. If you answer the question on Form 4473 honestly, the sale will be denied.

This is a firm and clear rule from the federal government.

Possessing Your Current Firearms is a Federal Crime

What about guns you already own? This is where Washington’s private database seems helpful, but it’s a false sense of security. The federal law bans “possession” of firearms, not just buying them.

This means that just by having guns and being a cannabis user, you are breaking federal law. If you were ever discovered, you could face federal charges. It is a very serious risk to your freedom.

“A quick note for those considering their health options: If you’re looking to understand your eligibility for medical cannabis, you can get your medical card approved quickly at HealifyNowMMJCards! Experience hassle-free access to the care you need. Begin your application now!”

Is There Any Hope for Change on the Horizon?

It is easy to feel frustrated by this situation. Many people agree that it is unfair. So, is there any chance that things will get better in the future?

The answer is yes, people are working hard to change these laws.

Federal Court Challenges

All across the country, people are taking this issue to court. They are arguing that the federal ban takes away their constitutional rights. For now, the courts have mostly agreed with the government, but these legal fights are not over.

The laws are constantly being tested and could change in the future.

The Push for Federal Legalization

The only way to truly fix this problem for good is for the U.S. government to change its cannabis laws. If marijuana were made legal at the federal level, or at least removed from the Schedule I list, the conflict would disappear.

Many lawmakers and groups are pushing for this change. It is the real solution that everyone is hoping for.

How to Navigate This and Stay Safe

This is a lot of information, and it can be scary. The most important thing is that you make smart, safe choices for yourself and your family. You need to know how to move forward.

Here is some simple advice to help you.

Seek Professional Legal Advice

This article gives you information, but it is not the same as legal advice from an expert. The absolute best thing you can do is talk to a lawyer. You need one who is an expert in both Washington gun laws and federal cannabis laws.

A lawyer can give you advice that is perfect for your personal situation.

Stay Informed on Your Health Options

While you think about these complicated laws, it is also a great idea to be an expert on your own health. Learning more about your medical cannabis treatment can help you feel more in control. You can learn more about different cannabis strains and what might be right for your condition.

The more you know, the better you can work with your doctor.

Conclusion: Making an Informed and Safe Decision

Let’s bring it all together. Even with Washington’s private medical marijuana database, the answer to “Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Washington?” is a clear no. The strong federal law makes it illegal and puts patients at serious risk.

You now have the information to make a responsible choice. You must weigh the benefits of your medicine against the very real dangers of breaking federal law. In the end, the answer to “Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Washington?” is that you are forced to choose between your health and your rights under the current law.

Dr. Bryan Green

Dr. Bryan Green is a board-certified neurologist and author specializing in neurological disorders. With a medical degree and extensive clinical experience, he writes about the intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic interventions, including the use of medical cannabis for conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. His work aims to educate patients and professionals on evidence-based treatments for seizures, spasticity, and neuropathic pain. Dr. Green’s publications blend medical expertise with accessible insights, drawing from his practice in states where cannabis is a legal treatment option.