U.S. Supreme Court ruling expands gun rights for medical marijuana users

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous 9‑0 decision in United States v. Hemani, overturning a conviction for illegal gun possession. The Court held that regular marijuana use does not automatically make a person an unlawful user of a controlled substance under the Gun Control Act, thereby removing a blanket disqualification for firearm ownership.

Following the ruling, the Hawaii Police Department announced a policy change: holders of a valid medical marijuana license will no longer be categorically denied firearm permits. Applications will now be evaluated on an individual basis, considering criminal history, protective orders, mental health, and other factors.

The Court also agreed to hear an appeal by Alaska resident Kenneth Juppi, who challenges the state’s seizure of his Cessna aircraft after it was used to transport six packs of beer. The case could limit local governments’ ability to impose asset forfeiture penalties for non‑violent offenses, echoing civil‑liberty concerns raised by the marijuana‑gun decision.