Living in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is wonderful, especially if you love the outdoors. Many people here in Minnesota enjoy hunting or own guns for protection. But lately, things have been changing fast. With the new laws about cannabis in our state, a lot of people are confused. You might be suffering from pain and thinking about getting a medical card. However, you might be scared that getting a card means giving up your guns. It is a very common fear for residents from the Twin Cities to Duluth. The big question everyone is asking is: Can MMJ Card Holders Buy Guns in Minnesota?
The answer is a mix of “Yes” and “No,” depending on which government you listen to.
Federal Government: They say “No.” They still think cannabis is dangerous.
Minnesota State Government: They say “Yes.” New laws from 2023 protect your rights to own guns.
In this article, we will explain everything in simple words. We want you to feel safe making the right choice for your health.
(Disclaimer: We are medical experts, not lawyers. This article is for information only and is not legal advice.)
The Federal Barrier: The Gun Control Act of 1968
Key Takeaways:
Federal Law: Treats marijuana like heroin (Schedule I).
Form 4473: The paper you sign when buying a gun asks about drug use.
The Risk: Lying on a federal form is a serious crime.
The main reason this is so confusing is because of the United States federal government. Even though Minnesota has changed its laws, the government in Washington D.C. has not.
They rely on an old law called the Gun Control Act of 1968. This law says that anyone who uses “controlled substances” cannot own firearms.
Since the federal government still lists cannabis as a Schedule I drug, they consider all users to be law-breakers. It does not matter if it is medicine for you.
This becomes a real problem when you go to a gun store. If you want to buy a gun from a licensed dealer, you have to fill out a form. This is called the ATF Form 4473.
Question 21(g) on this form asks if you use marijuana. It warns you that it is illegal federally, even if your state allows it.
If you say “No” but you have a medical card, you are technically lying. Lying on this form is a federal felony. If you say “Yes,” the gun shop cannot sell you the weapon.
The Minnesota Advantage: How State Law Protects You
Key Takeaways:
New Laws (2023): Minnesota passed the Adult-Use Cannabis Act.
Sheriff Restrictions: Sheriffs cannot deny a permit just because you are a patient.
Legal Status: You are not considered an “unlawful user” under state law.
Here is the good news for Minnesotans. Our state has taken huge steps to protect gun owners.
In 2023, Minnesota passed a very important law called the Adult-Use Cannabis Act. This law did more than just make weed legal. It added specific protections for gun owners.
The law says that a person’s status as a patient in the medical cannabis registry cannot be the only reason to deny them a Permit to Carry.
This means your local sheriff cannot take away your permit just because you have a medical card. The state of Minnesota decided that using medicine should not cost you your rights.
Under Minnesota state law, using cannabis legally does not make you an “unlawful user.” This is a big win for patients.
It creates a safety net that protects you from state police and local authorities. They are following Minnesota rules, not federal ones.
The Conflict: Buying vs. Possessing
Key Takeaways:
Buying: Very hard because of federal background checks.
Possessing: Protected by state law for valid permit holders.
Private Sales: Rules are different than buying from a store.
So, Can MMJ Card Holders Buy Guns in Minnesota without any trouble? It depends on if you are buying a new one or keeping an old one.
Buying at a Gun Shop
This is where the federal wall stops you. Gun stores have to follow federal rules because their licenses come from the ATF.
When they run your background check (NICS), they have to use federal forms. Because of this, you cannot truthfully buy a brand-new gun from a store if you are an active patient.
If you try to buy one, you will have to answer that tricky question on Form 4473. This is the biggest restriction that still exists.
Possessing and Private Transfers
Owning a gun you already have is much safer. Minnesota law says you can keep your guns and your Permit to Carry.
The state is not going to come to your house and take your firearms just because you got a medical card. As long as you are not committing other crimes, your possession is protected by the state.
However, you must be responsible. You should never carry your gun while you are using your medicine. That can still get you in trouble, just like drinking alcohol while carrying is illegal.
Also, private transfers (buying from a friend) are different than buying from a store. But you should always be careful to follow all local laws.
Why the Medical Card is Still Worth It
Key Takeaways:
Save Money: No 10% tax on medical cannabis.
Workplace Safety: Better legal protection for employees.
Better Health: Access to high-quality medicine.
You might be wondering if it is worth the hassle. Many people decide that their health is the most important thing.
If you have chronic pain, PTSD, or severe anxiety, medicine can change your life. A medical card offers benefits that recreational users do not get.
First, you save a lot of money. Recreational users have to pay a 10% tax, but medical patients do not.
Second, you get workplace protections. Employers in Minnesota have to follow stricter rules before firing a medical patient for a positive drug test.
Third, you get access to medical-grade products and professional advice. If you want to stay updated on these benefits, you can read more articles on our blog.
We provide the latest news to keep you informed. Your health journey should not be a guessing game.
How to Get Certified in Minnesota (Step-by-Step)
Key Takeaways:
Easy Process: Done from home via video.
Quick Approval: Get your letter fast.
State Registry: We help you understand the steps.
If you have decided that relief from pain is your priority, getting a card is easy. You do not need to drive across the state to do it.
Here is the simple process:
Step 1: Book an Appointment
You can schedule a time that works for you online. It only takes a few minutes.
Step 2: Talk to the Doctor
You will have a video call with Kif Doctors. We are here to listen to your story and help you find
Step 3: Register with the State
After we approve you, you will get an email. You use that to register with the Minnesota Office of Medical Cannabis.
We know that cost is important to families right now. We want to make sure you get the best value.
Kif Doctors believes in transparent and fair costs. You can see our affordable rates on our website to know exactly what you will pay. We offer competitive pricing for Minnesota residents. The best part is our Instant Approval process for the recommendation letter. This means you do not have to wait days to start your registration. You can get the ball rolling immediately.
If you want to know who you are talking to, you can read about our medical experts. We are real professionals who care about your well-being.
Conclusion
We know that navigating these laws can feel like walking through a maze. It is frustrating when federal and state laws do not match.
So, Can MMJ Card Holders Buy Guns in Minnesota? The honest answer is that buying new guns from a dealer is blocked by federal forms. However, Minnesota state law explicitly protects your right to keep your permit and your firearms.
You do not have to choose between being a criminal and being in pain. The state of Minnesota has your back.
If you are ready to feel better and live a pain-free life, we are here to help. Do not let fear stop you from getting the care you need.
You can book your evaluation now and start your journey today.
Sources
- Minnesota Office of Revisor of Statutes (2023 Law): https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/624.714
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/open-letter/all-ffls-sept2011-open-letter-marijuana-medicinal-purposes/download
