Culture

Where Does It Stand With Marijuana And Gun Ownership

Published

1 month ago

February 10, 2025

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Gun ownership is a popular topic in the US, but is there finally going to be movement about marijuana and gun ownership?

Marijuana and gun ownership is slowly winding its way through the courts. Cannabis is a hot topic at the state and business level. Liquor companies, governors, and thousands of small businesses are holding there breath to see what the new administration is going to do. But duck and deer hunter and thousands like them are wondering where does it stand with marijuana and gun ownership?

The legal landscape surrounding marijuana use and handgun ownership in the United States is evolving, with federal courts playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. This article provides an update on recent developments and their implications for individuals who use marijuana and wish to own firearms.

Under federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), it is unlawful for individuals who are “unlawful users of or addicted to any controlled substance” to possess firearms. Since marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, this law effectively prohibits marijuana users from owning guns, even in states where marijuana is legal.

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In recent years, federal courts have begun to challenge the constitutionality of this prohibition, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. This ruling emphasized that firearm regulations must align with historical American traditions regarding the right to bear arms.

One notable case is U.S. v. Daniels, decided by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The court reversed a conviction under a federal law that prohibits firearm possession by individuals who are unlawful users of controlled substances. The decision highlighted that the law might be unconstitutional when applied to occasional or habitual drug use without evidence of continuous impairment.

Another federal appeals court has reaffirmed that banning gun ownership for people who occasionally use marijuana is unconstitutional, aligning with the reasoning in Daniels8.These rulings suggest a shift towards recognizing that occasional marijuana use does not historically justify a lifetime prohibition on firearm ownership..

Despite these judicial developments, federal law remains unchanged, and marijuana users are still technically barred from possessing firearms. However, these court decisions may pave the way for future legal challenges to the federal prohibition.

As more states legalize marijuana, the tension between state and federal laws will continue to grow. Advocates argue that the prohibition on firearm ownership for marijuana users is inconsistent with the evolving legal status of cannabis and the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

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In 2025, while there is anticipation around the potential rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, this change is not expected to occur within the year due to the lengthy administrative process involved. Such a rescheduling could eventually lead to a reevaluation of the firearm prohibition for marijuana users, but for now, the legal landscape remains complex and subject to ongoing litigation.

The intersection of marijuana use and handgun ownership is a contentious issue in the United States, with federal courts increasingly scrutinizing the constitutionality of laws that restrict firearm access for marijuana users. While recent rulings offer hope for reform,

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Blue Dream

The Best Marijuana Strains To Celebrate Spring

Published

8 hours ago

March 20, 2025

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It is officially spring, so what better way to celebrate than with these strains

The first day of spring, or vernal equinox, is a big deal because it makes the astronomical beginning of spring in the Northen Hemisphere, signifying a shirt toward longer days, warmer weather and more light. Gardens, trees, and nature will be blooming over the next couple months, provide a fresh palate after dark winter. Here are the best marijuana strains to celebrate spring.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is an excellent choice to kickstart your spring celebrations. This sativa-dominant hybrid provides a powerful and happy extended high, making it ideal for both socializing and relaxation. With its sweet taste and euphoric yet calm effects, Blue Dream offers a balanced experience that can enhance your springtime activities. Its potential to alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety makes it a versatile strain for both recreational and medicinal users.

Grapefruit

For those seeking an energizing boost, Grapefruit is a fantastic option. This sativa strain boasts a potent THC content of around 19% and delivers happy and euphoric effects. Its sweet, tropical flavor profile and citrusy aroma perfectly capture the essence of spring. Grapefruit is known for its ability to enhance mood, creativity, and focus, making it an excellent choice for daytime use during the season.

Fruit Bubblegum

Fruit Bubblegum is a delightful sativa strain that embodies the sweetness of spring. With its sugary aromas and energizing effects, this strain is perfect for kicking off any spring day. Users can expect to feel happy, energized, and euphoric, making it an ideal companion for outdoor activities and social gatherings.

Lemon Glaze

For those who prefer a more relaxing spring experience, Lemon Glaze offers a perfect balance. This strain invites users to unwind and get cozy, making it great for self-care moments during the season. With its sweet vanilla and citrus aromas, Lemon Glaze provides a comforting and sleepy effect, ideal for winding down after a day of spring festivities.

Cold Berry Dream

Cloud Berry Dream is an indica-leaning hybrid that offers the best of both worlds for spring celebrations. This strain produces full-body relaxation and mental ease, making it an excellent choice for unwinding from the day’s stresses. Grown under the Northern California sun, Cloud Berry Dream provides a thoughtfully curated experience that can enhance your springtime relaxation.

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Barbara Mandrell

The Connection Between Country Music And Cannabis

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2025

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Love it or hate it – country music is a powerful genre…but what about the music and marijuana?

While it has always been popular, in the last few years it has had an explosion of fans. In the US alone, over 139 million listen. And not just old school like Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, or Randy Travis…the new generation of singers including Zach Bryan, Luke Combs, Sturgill Simpson, Morgan Wallen, and Colter Wall. While drinking is big in the scene, what is the connection between country music and cannabis.

Country music and cannabis share a fascinating and evolving relationship, reflecting broader cultural shifts. While historically the genre leaned toward conservative values, recent years have seen a growing acceptance of marijuana within country music, both in lyrics and among its artists.

In the past, country music often distanced itself from marijuana, aligning with socially conservative values. A prime example is Merle Haggard’s 1969 hit “Okie From Muskogee,” which explicitly rejected marijuana use and symbolized traditional American values.

Despite this, outlaw country artists like Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr. and Johnny Cash embraced cannabis as part of their rebellious personas. Willie Nelson, in particular, became synonymous with marijuana culture, famously smoking on the White House roof during Jimmy Carter’s presidency.

Over the past decade, mentions of marijuana in country music have increased significantly. Artists like Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, and Eric Church have incorporated cannabis themes into their songs, often celebrating its use casually or humorously.

Songs such as “Burn One with John Prine” by Kacey Musgraves and “Might As Well Get Stoned” by Chris Stapleton highlight this shift toward normalization.

Interestingly, studies show that country music mentions drugs more frequently than any other genre, including rap. Marijuana references now outpace those of harder substances like cocaine or alcohol in some cases.

Cannabis has become a symbol of individualism and freedom within the genre. This aligns with country music’s tradition of storytelling about personal struggles and breaking societal norms. The changing legal and publicl landscape of marijuana in the U.S. has influenced this shift, making cannabis a more socially acceptable topic for mainstream audiences.

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Cannabis

JFK And Marijuana – The Fresh Toast

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2025

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JFK is a hot topic again. If he were alive, what would be his take on marijuana?

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, has long been a subject of fascination and speculation, including rumors about his alleged cannabis use. While there are some unconfirmed reports, it stands to reason he would consider the plant for his chronic pain. He suffered from Addison’s disease, chronic back problems, osteoporosis, and digestive issues, which he managed in secret. He took numerous medications and approaches to manage his health conditions. So what about JFK and marijuana?

Medical marijuana has a rich history as a therapeutic agent, dating back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including those in China, India, and Egypt, utilized cannabis to treat ailments such as pain, inflammation, and digestive issues. In Victorian England, it gained popularity as a painkiller, with even Queen Victoria reportedly using it for postpartum relief.

Today, medical marijuana is widely recognized for its ability to manage chronic pain. Studies show it can alleviate conditions like neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis-related discomfort. Unlike opioids, cannabis offers pain relief with fewer risks of dependency and sedation, improving patients’ quality of life. Additionally, cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to modulate pain and inflammation effectively.

It makes sense Kennedy would consider cannabis. One unconfirmed, secondhand account suggests that Kennedy smoked marijuana once at the White House. This story, published in the National Enquirer in 1976, claimed that Kennedy smoked marijuana with Mary Meyer, one of his mistresses. John F. Kennedy’s relationship with Dr. Max Jacobson, nicknamed “Dr. Feelgood,” was a controversial one beginning during his presidential campaign in 1960. Dr. Jacobson was known for administering “vitamin shots” that were actually laced with amphetamines and other substances.

The 1960s, during and after Kennedy’s presidency, saw a significant increase in marijuana use among the white upper middle class. This cultural shift may have contributed to the rumors and speculation about Kennedy’s personal habits. Reports commissioned during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations found marijuana use did not induce violence or lead to the use of heavier drugs, which began to change public perceptions about the substance

Stacey Flores Chandler, a reference archivist at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, stated that she found no evidence in Kennedy’s medical records or secondary sources indicating that he used cannabis to treat his medical conditions. Today, Kennedy would join millions of senior citizens who lean on medical marijuana to treat inflammation, chronic pain and sleep issues.

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