Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Michigan

by Dr. Bryan Green | Last updated Oct 29, 2025

Here in the Great Lake State of Michigan, many people love the outdoors. Traditions like hunting and owning a firearm are very important to a lot of families. At the same time, Michigan has been a leader in both medical and recreational cannabis laws, helping many people find relief.

But what happens when these two worlds collide? It creates a very confusing and serious legal problem. This problem affects registered patients who also want to own a gun.

The main issue is the big difference between Michigan’s state laws and the strict, unchanging laws of the U.S. federal government. This article will be your simple guide to help you understand the rules and answer the big question: Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Michigan?

The Federal Law: A Firm and Total Prohibition

Before we talk about Michigan’s rules, we must start with the laws of the U.S. government. These federal laws are the boss, and they overrule everything else. The first big law is called the Controlled Substances Act, or CSA.

This national law puts all marijuana into the most serious category, which is called Schedule I. This means the federal government officially says that marijuana is an illegal drug. It also says it has no accepted medical use, even though Michigan law disagrees.

Because of this, another federal law called the Gun Control Act of 1968 is very important. This law has a very clear rule. It makes it a felony, which is a very serious crime, for any person who is an “unlawful user of…any controlled substance” to buy, have, or even ship a gun.

So let’s connect the two laws. The federal government sees all marijuana use as illegal. This means it calls every medical patient in Michigan an “unlawful user.” This title is the final word, and it means that under U.S. law, patients are strictly not allowed to own guns.

Confronting the ATF Form 4473

This federal ban becomes a very real issue when you walk into a gun store. The process of buying a gun from any licensed dealer in Michigan is the same. It legally requires every single person to fill out a federal background check form.

This form is called the ATF Form 4473. On this form, there is a direct question that you cannot skip. It asks if you are an “unlawful user of…marijuana.” To make sure you understand, the form has a big warning in bold letters. It says that using marijuana is illegal under federal law, even if Michigan allows it.

This creates a legal trap for patients. If you answer “yes,” the store must deny the gun sale. But if you are a medical patient and you answer “no,” you are lying on a federal form. That is a crime called perjury, and it is a serious felony. It can lead to years in prison and very large fines.

Michigan’s State Law: The Concealed Pistol License (CPL)

Now let’s look at the laws right here in Michigan. This is where a lot of the confusion comes from. To carry a concealed pistol in Michigan, you need a Concealed Pistol License, or CPL.

When you fill out the application for a CPL, you will notice something interesting. The form does not ask if you are a medical marijuana patient. This quietness on the form is what makes many people think it might be okay.

However, this does not create a loophole or a safe space. The CPL application still requires a full background check. That background check looks for anything that would make you a federally prohibited person.

Legal experts in Michigan agree that using a substance that is illegal at the federal level makes a person not eligible for a CPL. This is a very important point when you are thinking about if medical marijuana patients can own guns in Michigan.

The Real-World Risks for Patients in Michigan

So, what are the real, day-to-day dangers for a patient who has a gun? It is very important to know that even if a person somehow gets a CPL, they are still breaking federal law every single second they have a gun.

It is true that your local police department might not be focused on this issue. But any time you interact with law enforcement, especially a federal officer, you could be exposed to a felony charge.

This all means that a person has to make a choice. The law does not allow you to be both a medical cannabis patient and a legal gun owner. The risk you take by trying to be both is huge.

Making an Informed Decision and Navigating Your Options

When the laws are this serious, the best thing you can do is get personalized advice. We strongly recommend that you talk to a lawyer in Michigan. Make sure they are an expert in both firearm laws and cannabis laws.

It is also very important to make a clear choice to stay on the right side of the law. You have to decide which right is more important for your life right now. You can either be a patient or a gun owner, but not both.

Note: For those who decide their health must come first, becoming a patient is now very easy and private. You can often get approved for your medical card online in minutes after a confidential talk with a doctor.

HealifyNowMMJCards Note: Get your medical card approved quickly at HealifyNowMMJCards! Experience hassle-free access to the care you need. Begin your application now!

The Future of Gun and Cannabis Rights

It is also helpful to know that these laws might not be this way forever. As more states like Michigan accept cannabis, it puts more pressure on the U.S. government to rethink its old rules.

There are court cases in other parts of the country that are fighting the federal ban. These cases could lead to big changes in the future. But for right now, the law has not changed. To make the best health choices today, patients can research different cannabis strains to better understand their options.

Conclusion: A Decisive “No” from Federal Law

Let’s summarize everything we have learned. While Michigan’s state CPL application might be quiet about medical cannabis, that silence does not protect you. It does not change the absolute ban from the federal government.

The final, clear answer to “Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Michigan?” is no. The risk of being charged with a felony and the fact that you cannot truthfully pass a federal background check make it illegal.

The law forces people in Michigan to choose between their Second Amendment rights and their right to use medical cannabis. For those who choose to continue being a patient, managing your certification is made easy with a patient login.