In a September 21, 2011 letter, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made clear that it is a violation of Federal law for anyone using a controlled substance to possess a firearm or ammunition.

 

In response to inquiries the Bureau has received, they issued an open letter to all federal firearms licensees for clarification on firearms possession and possession of marijuana under the guise of medicine. 

 

Citing from the Controlled Substances Act, which prohibits anyone who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” from possessing, receiving, shipping or transporting firearms or ammunition. The ATF further states that because marijuana is a Schedule I drug, there is no room for ambiguity on mixing firearms and ammunition; not even for “medical” purposes.

 

 “Any person who uses or is addicted to marijuana, regardless of whether his or her State has passed legislation authorizing marijuana use for medical purposes, is an unlawful user or addicted to a controlled substance, and is prohibited by Federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.”

 

As our border states experience horrific violence, due to the mixture of guns and drugs, we applaud the ATF taking a stand to clarify that there is “zero tolerance” for combining weapons and marijuana. 

 

To read the ATF letter go to: http://www.atf.gov/press/releases/2011/08/082911-atf-open-letters-to-all-federal-firearms-licensees-september-11.html