Minnesota gun owners and those looking to purchase a firearm are getting clarification on what exactly Minnesota's new recreational marijuana law means for them.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives on Tuesday released information stating the Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits marijuana users from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition. Under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug, which under federal definition, has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
"Until marijuana is legalized federally, firearms owners and possessors should be mindful that it remains federally illegal to mix marijuana with firearms and ammunition," said ATF's Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Reed of the St. Paul Field Division. "As regulators of the firearms industry and enforcers of firearms laws, we felt it was important to remind Minnesotans of this distinction as the marijuana laws adjust here in the State of Minnesota."
In 2011, ATF issued an open letter to Federal Firearms Licensees providing guidance as states eased marijuana restrictions.
"The 2011 guidance reminds Federal Firearms Licensees that it is unlawful to transfer a firearm to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the person is an unlawful user of a controlled substance."
People who are looking to purchase firearms must attest whether or not they are an unlawful user of marijuana on an ATF Form 4473 during a firearm transaction.
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