The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday in favor of a Texas man who argued it is not a crime for marijuana users to possess firearms, striking down a federal law that barred them from doing so.
In a unanimous decision, the justices found that the prohibition in the Gun Control Act of 1968 violates the Second Amendment for users of marijuana, even if they are not impaired at the time. The case centered on a Texas resident who was charged after authorities found guns in his home while he admitted to using marijuana.
The ruling could have broad implications for gun rights nationwide, potentially affecting millions of marijuana users in states where the drug is legal for medical or recreational use. Texas, where recreational marijuana remains illegal, was the setting for the original case that reached the high court.
🚨SCOTUS UPDATE🚨
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) June 18, 2026
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Texas man who uses marijuana and seeks to legally own a firearm.
In a unanimous decision, the justices sided with Ali Danial Hemani, who successfully argued that a federal law prohibiting gun ownership by anyone who uses… pic.twitter.com/qD6u6n2Dl6
Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the majority opinion, emphasizing that the government failed to show a historical tradition supporting the ban on marijuana users owning guns. The decision builds on recent Second Amendment precedents that require laws to align with the nation's historical understanding of the right to bear arms.
Dissenting justices argued the ruling could undermine public safety efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of those using substances that impair judgment. No injuries or fatalities were directly tied to this specific case.
The decision comes as more states expand marijuana access, creating tension with federal gun laws. Legal experts say it may prompt challenges to similar restrictions for other substances.
The case originated in Texas federal court and worked its way through appeals before reaching the Supreme Court.
