If you live in Maryland, you know the state has some of the strongest gun rules in the whole country. Maryland also has a very good medical cannabis program that helps a lot of people who are sick. But what happens when these two things mix?

This combination creates a big legal problem for patients who also want to own a gun. The main issue is that what the state of Maryland says and what the U.S. federal government says are two different things. They are in a direct fight.

This article is here to be your simple, step-by-step guide. We will help you understand this confusing topic and answer the very important question: Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Maryland?

The Federal Government’s Position

First, we need to understand the rules of the U.S. federal government. These laws are the boss and apply to everyone in every state, including Maryland. The biggest law to know is the Controlled Substances Act, or CSA.

This national law puts all marijuana in the most serious group, called Schedule I. This means the federal government believes marijuana is an illegal drug that has no medical value. It doesn’t matter what Maryland law says.

Because of that, another federal law called the Gun Control Act of 1968 comes into play. This law has a very clear rule. It says that it is a serious crime for any person who is an “unlawful user of…any controlled substance” to have or buy a gun.

So, let’s put it all together. The federal government sees any use of marijuana as illegal. That means it sees every single medical patient in Maryland as an “unlawful user.” This is the biggest barrier and means that, under U.S. law, patients are not allowed to own guns.

The Gun Purchase Problem: ATF Form 4473

This federal ban becomes a very real problem when you go to a gun store. Whenever you try to buy a handgun or any other firearm from a licensed dealer in Maryland, you have to fill out a federal background check form. This form is known as the ATF Form 4473.

On that form, there is a direct and very important question you have to answer. It asks if you are an “unlawful user of…marijuana.” And to make sure you can’t miss it, there is a big warning in bold letters. It says that using marijuana is illegal under federal law, no matter what your state’s program allows.

This puts patients in an impossible situation. If you answer “yes,” the gun store has to deny the sale. But if you are a patient and you answer “no,” you are lying on a federal form. That is a felony crime called perjury, which can lead to years in prison and big fines.

Maryland’s State Law: A Direct Conflict

Now let’s look at the laws and rules right here in Maryland. This is where we see that the state and federal government actually agree on this issue.

In Maryland, to buy a handgun, you need something called a Handgun Qualification License, or HQL. The application for this license is handled by the Maryland State Police.

The Maryland State Police have made their position very clear. The application for a handgun permit asks if you use any controlled dangerous substances. Since marijuana is on that list, you cannot get a permit if you are a user.

The police have officially said that because it is illegal to use marijuana under federal law, it is also illegal to own or buy a gun as a patient in Maryland. This makes the answer to “Can medical marijuana patients own guns in Maryland?” a clear “no” from both the state and the federal government.

The Real-World Consequences for Patients in Maryland

It is very important to understand that Maryland is not a “gray area” state. In some other states, the laws are a little confusing. But here in Maryland, the law is very clear.

There is no loophole or secret way to be both a patient and a gun owner. It is illegal at every single level of government. State law and federal law are on the same page.

This means that a person has to make a very clear choice. You can either be part of the state’s medical cannabis program to help your health, or you can be a legal gun owner. It is not possible to be both.

Trying to hide that you are a patient when you buy a gun is not a good idea. It is not just a federal crime. It could also get you into big trouble with the state of Maryland.

Making an Informed Choice and Understanding Your Options

Since the laws in Maryland are so clear, the only real way to “navigate” them is to make a choice. You have to decide which right is more important to you right now. If you have specific legal questions, the best thing to do is talk to a lawyer in Maryland who is an expert on firearm laws.

Making this decision is very important for your personal safety and your freedom. You want to make sure you are always following the law.

Note: For people who decide that their health is the most important thing, becoming a patient is a simple process. You can often get approved for your medical card online in minutes after a private talk with a professional. Learning about different cannabis strains can also help you understand your treatment options better.

The Future of Cannabis and Gun Rights in Maryland

It’s also good to know that laws can change over time. Now that Maryland and other states have legalized marijuana for all adults, the fight between drug laws and gun rights is becoming a bigger issue all over the country.

This might lead to new court cases or even new laws from the U.S. government in the future. But for right now, the law is the law, and it is very firmly set.

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Conclusion: A Clear “No” from Both State and Federal Law

So, let’s put it all together in a simple way. We’ve learned that both Maryland’s state laws and the U.S. federal laws agree on this topic. They both say that medical cannabis patients are not allowed to buy or have firearms.

The final, clear answer to “Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Maryland?” is no. There is no legal way for you to do both at the same time.

This means that people in Maryland have to make a choice between their Second Amendment right to own a gun and their right to be in the state’s medical cannabis program. For those who choose to be patients, managing your records is made easy with a patient login.

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.