In March 2026, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in United States v. Hemani, a case asking whether federal law can permanently ban gun ownership for anyone deemed an “unlawful user” of a controlled substance. The case centers on a Texas man found with a pistol and marijuana at his home. Multiple justices — including Gorsuch — challenged the government’s definition of “habitual user,” noting the standard is vague and potentially applied far more broadly than historical analogues would support. A decision is expected by late June 2026 and could affect millions of gun owners in states where marijuana is legal under state law.
Source: SCOTUSblog — Supreme Court skeptical of drug-user gun ban
Discussion question: Should state-legal marijuana use disqualify someone from owning a firearm under federal law? How should the Court draw the line between substance use and gun rights?