Supreme Court limits federal power to disarm marijuana users, upholding gun rights

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a unanimous ruling that significantly restricts the federal government's authority to prohibit individuals who use drugs, such as marijuana, from owning firearms. The decision, delivered on June 18, 2026, found that the federal law banning "unlawful users of controlled substances" from possessing guns was inconsistent with the Second Amendment, particularly when applied to a Texas man who admitted to regular marijuana use.

In the case of *United States v. Hemani*, the Court, in an opinion authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, determined that the government failed to demonstrate a historical tradition of firearm regulation that would justify disarming individuals solely based on drug use, especially if they are not actively intoxicated or deemed a violent threat. This ruling builds upon the Court's 2022 *Bruen* decision, which established a standard requiring modern gun regulations to align with the nation's historical tradition of firearm control.

While the ruling does not entirely invalidate the federal statute, it narrows its application, suggesting that such prohibitions must be more specifically tailored and historically supported. This landmark decision is expected to impact numerous pending cases and further shape the legal landscape surrounding gun rights and drug laws across the country.