What’s Happening:
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on March 2, 2026, in a case about whether people who use marijuana can legally own guns. Right now, federal law says marijuana users cannot own guns, even in states where marijuana is legal.
Official Case Information:
- Case name: United States v. Hemani
- Supreme Court announcement: SCOTUSblog – Official Supreme Court coverage
Why This Matters:
Even if you live in a state where marijuana is legal, the federal government still has rules that can affect you. These rules can stop you from owning a gun, getting certain jobs, or other things—even if you’re following your state’s laws.
A new government report says that even if marijuana gets moved to a less strict category (called “rescheduling”), it won’t fix most of these problems for regular people. Marijuana companies would be able to advertise more easily, but users would still face the same issues with guns and jobs.
Read the Official Government Report:
- Congressional Research Service: Rescheduling Marijuana Report – This explains what would and wouldn’t change if marijuana laws are updated
What’s Changing Around the Country:
- Massachusetts is working on new laws to let people have more marijuana and is making changes to how the state’s marijuana program works.
- New York had huge sales in 2025—over $1.5 billion! The number of legal marijuana stores almost doubled.
- Alabama and Tennessee are also making changes to their marijuana and hemp laws.
- Courts in Washington and California said it’s okay for states to require marijuana business owners to live in those states.
A Big Legal Fight:
A group that opposes marijuana reform hired a famous former Attorney General named Bill Barr. They’re trying to stop the government from making marijuana laws less strict. They even want marijuana put back in the strictest category.
What You Can Do:
- Check your state’s marijuana laws – Laws are different in every state and change frequently:
- Know your rights – Even legal marijuana use can affect gun ownership and some jobs because of federal rules:
- Learn about the federal gun law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) that’s being challenged
- Get involved – Contact your representatives if you want to see marijuana laws changed:
- Need legal help? – If you’re facing marijuana-related charges:
- NORML Legal Committee – Network of over 500 attorneys who specialize in marijuana cases
- Stay informed – Follow official sources for updates on this case and marijuana policy:
The Bottom Line:
The marijuana laws in America are complicated because states and the federal government have different rules. The Supreme Court case in March 2026 could change things for millions of people who use marijuana and want to own guns. The decision will likely come out in summer 2026.
Even if marijuana gets rescheduled to be less restricted, many federal penalties will stay in place. That’s why it’s important to understand both your state’s laws and federal laws—and to stay informed as things change.
