Bill officially introduced to amend PA firearm law for medical marijuana

(WJET/WFXP) — One of Pennsylvania’s state senators officially introduced a new bill seeking to change one of the Commonwealth’s firearms laws which prohibits medical marijuana users from owning a gun.

State Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) made the submission Wednesday for Senate Bill 1146 to change the Uniform Firearms Act and allow medical marijuana recipients to own firearms.

The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act was enacted back in 2016 and allows individuals to legally treat specific medical conditions with marijuana.

Laughlin also said many laws have since been updated to include medical marijuana while laws like the Uniform Firearms Act continue to see it as unlawful.

“My legislation will make sure a valid medical marijuana cardholder is no longer considered an unlawful marijuana user,” said Laughlin. “Although marijuana remains illegal under federal law, we should be updating Pennsylvania’s laws to ensure valid medical marijuana cardholders are not denied their rights.”

Federal law 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(3) prohibits firearms purchases and possession by anyone who uses marijuana or other controlled substances.

Outgoing Warren County District Attorney Robert Greene has also criticized laws that prevent medical marijuana users from owning or purchasing firearms, even filing a lawsuit challenging the laws he called “draconian.”

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