The US Supreme Court sided Thursday with a Texas marijuana user who wants to legally own a gun, marking the latest in a series of firearm cases from a court that has expanded gun rights.
Case Background
The justices ruled in favor of Ali Danial Hemani, who argued that a federal law prohibiting gun ownership for anyone who uses illegal drugs violates the Second Amendment. Hemani was not charged with any other crimes or accused of using the weapon while under the influence.
Political Implications
The decision is a setback for Donald Trump's Republican administration, which defended the 1968 law despite opposing other gun restrictions. The same law was used in the case against Hunter Biden, who was convicted in Wilmington, Delaware, for buying a gun while addicted to cocaine in 2018. He was later pardoned by his father, then-President Joe Biden.
Broader Context
This opinion follows a landmark 2022 ruling that expanded gun rights, sparking numerous challenges nationwide. Since then, the high court has upheld a domestic violence victim protection law and strict regulations on ghost gun kits, but struck down a ban on bump stocks. The justices considered two firearm cases this term alone.
Cannabis Legalization Trends
The legality and use of cannabis have shifted significantly, with more than half of US states legalizing it broadly and widespread use for health purposes. However, recreational use remains illegal federally, even after the Trump administration reclassified medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug in April.
It is rare to see standalone criminal charges for owning guns and using drugs; such charges are more often filed alongside other crimes.
Unusual Alliances
The case created unusual political alliances. The American Civil Liberties Union and the National Rifle Association both supported Hemani, along with cannabis legalization groups like NORML. Opposing them were gun safety groups like Everytown, which typically oppose the Trump administration on Second Amendment issues.
