Vermont is a very special place to live. We are famous for our beautiful Green Mountains and our love for personal freedom. Many Vermonters enjoy hunting or sport shooting as a way of life. At the same time, our state has been very open about cannabis. We have legal medical marijuana and now recreational weed too. But when you mix these two things, it gets complicated. Many patients ask us, “Can MMJ Card Holders Buy Guns in Vermont?” It is a scary question because nobody wants to break the law. The answer is tricky because state rules and federal rules do not agree.
While Vermont allows “Constitutional Carry,” which means you don’t need a permit to carry a pistol, buying one is different. The federal government has strict rules about who can buy a firearm. We are here to help you understand these rules simply.
The Federal Law vs. Vermont Values
To understand the problem, we have to look at the difference between the state and the country. Vermont has decided that cannabis is a safe and helpful medicine. The Vermont Cannabis Control Board (CCB) manages these rules to help patients.
However, the United States government sees things differently. They still list marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. This means the federal government thinks it is dangerous, just like heroin.
This causes a big conflict called the “Supremacy Clause.” This legal term just means that federal law is like the “Big Boss.” When the state and the federal government fight, the federal rules usually win.
-
Federal View: Using marijuana makes you an “unlawful user” of a controlled substance.
-
State View: Using marijuana is a legal medical treatment or recreational right.
-
The Result: Gun laws are federal, so they follow the federal view on drugs.
Because of this, gun laws in Vermont for weed smokers are strict when it comes to federal paperwork. Even if you are following every rule in Vermont, the federal government still says “No.”
The Barrier: ATF Form 4473
When you go to a gun shop to buy a rifle or handgun, you have to do paperwork. This paper is called the ATF Form 4473. It is a background check that everyone must pass.
There is a very specific question on this form called Question 21(g). It asks if you use marijuana or other drugs. It warns you that marijuana is still illegal federally.
-
The Trap: If you answer “Yes,” the dealer cannot sell you the gun.
-
The Crime: If you answer “No” but you have a medical card, you are lying to the government.
-
The Consequence: Lying on this form is a felony called perjury.
This applies to every state, not just Vermont. If you are on the medical registry, the government sees you as a drug user. This makes you a “prohibited person” under a law called 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3).
So, if you try to buy a gun from a store, you will likely get denied. Or, if you lie to get it, you are taking a huge legal risk. It is a very serious barrier for patients.
The Vermont Twist: Universal Background Checks
You might be thinking, “I will just buy a gun from my neighbor or a friend.” In the past, this was possible in many places. It was often called the “private sale loophole.”
However, Vermont changed the rules in 2018. The state passed a law requiring “Universal Background Checks.” This makes Vermont different from many other states where private sales are easy.
-
The 2018 Law: Now, almost all gun transfers must go through a licensed dealer (FFL).
-
No Loophole: You cannot just hand cash to a friend for a gun without a check.
-
The Process: You and the seller must go to a gun shop and do the Form 4473.
This means you cannot avoid the background check question. Even if you buy a used gun from a regular person, you still have to fill out the federal form. And as we learned, that form asks about marijuana.
This closes the door for most legal ways to buy a gun while holding a card. The answer to “Can MMJ Card Holders Buy Guns in Vermont” is almost always no because of this background check law. It is important to know this so you don’t get in trouble.
Getting Medical Relief with Kif Doctors
We know this news might be disappointing if you love firearms. But you should not have to sacrifice your health. If you are in pain, suffering from anxiety, or have other conditions, you deserve relief.
There are still many benefits to having a medical card in Vermont. You can save money on taxes at dispensaries. You also get access to stronger products and higher possession limits than recreational users.
At Kif Doctors, we provide a safe place for you. We don’t judge you; we just want to help you feel better. Our team helps you navigate the health system so you can focus on healing.
We make the process very simple and private. You can talk to a doctor from the comfort of your own home. We protect your data and treat you with respect.
Your wellness journey matters to us. Don’t let confusion about the laws stop you from getting the medicine that helps you live your life.
Why Vermonters Choose Our Services
We have helped many people in the Green Mountain State. We understand the local culture and the specific needs of our patients. Here is why people trust us.
-
- Experienced Team: You will work with an experienced medical team who understands cannabis medicine.
-
- Clear Costs: We believe in honesty, so we offer a simple pricing structure with no hidden fees.
-
Total Convenience: You can complete the whole appointment online without driving anywhere.
-
Fast Service: We help you get your certification quickly so you can register with the state.
We are here to support you every step of the way. We want to make sure you have the correct information and the best care.
What About Guns I Already Own?
This is the most common question we hear. “I already have my hunting rifles; do I have to give them up?” The laws focus mostly on buying new guns.
The background check form is for purchasing, not for ownership. The Vermont State Police generally do not go into homes to take guns from patients. The registry is confidential and meant for medical use.
-
Possession Risk: Technically, federal law says you cannot possess guns and use marijuana.
-
Enforcement: In reality, federal agents rarely pursue people who are quiet and safe at home.
-
Legal Gray Area: It creates a risky legal situation, even if you are not buying anything new.
We are not lawyers, so we cannot give you legal advice. We strongly suggest you talk to a Vermont attorney who knows firearm laws. They can look at your specific situation and tell you the safest path.
It is always better to be safe than sorry. Knowing the difference between buying and owning is a good start. But you must be aware that the federal ban is very broad.
Conclusion: Your Health Comes First
The laws regarding guns and cannabis are stuck in the past. Until the federal government changes its mind, there will be a conflict. For now, the answer to “Can MMJ Card Holders Buy Guns in Vermont” is effectively no for new purchases.
This is due to the strict Form 4473 and Vermont’s Universal Background Check laws. You have to decide what is most important for your life right now. For many, the relief from chronic pain or illness is worth the trade-off.
You should not have to suffer in silence. Medical cannabis is a legal and effective tool for thousands of Vermonters.
If you are ready to prioritize your health, get started today by booking an appointment with us. We are ready to help you find the relief you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (VT Edition)
We know you probably have more questions. The rules can be confusing because they don’t seem to make sense. Here are some answers to things Vermonters ask us.
Can I buy ammo if I have a card?
Technically, no. The same federal law that stops you from buying a gun also applies to ammunition. Selling ammo to a “prohibited person” is against federal rules.
Does Vermont share the registry with the ATF?
Generally, no. Your medical records are protected by privacy laws. The Vermont Cannabis Control Board does not send a list of patients to the ATF. However, if you lie on the form and get caught, that is where the trouble starts.
Can my spouse own a gun?
Yes, your spouse can own a gun. But you must not have access to it. It should be locked away where you cannot get it.
Sources:
- Vermont Cannabis Control Board (Medical Program)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Federal Prohibitions)
- Vermont General Assembly (Universal Background Checks Statute)
