NSSF Compliance Alert:
EO Reclassifying Marijuana Has No Effect on Firearms Transfers/Prohibited Person Definition

On December 18th, President Trump issued an Executive Order directing the Attorney General to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III controlled substance. Once finalized, this reclassification will expand the federally allowed uses of marijuana for research and related purposes, however it will not legalize the use or possession of marijuana by individuals.

Accordingly, FFLs are advised to not make any changes to their firearm transfer policies based on this change. Following this reclassification, unlawful users or addicts of marijuana will still be classified as prohibited persons pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(3), and may not receive or possess firearms or ammunition.

If you have a reasonable cause to believe that a prospective purchaser is an unlawful user or addict of marijuana, you should not complete a sale of firearms or ammunition. As a reminder, state legalization of marijuana similarly has no effect on legality under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(3), and possession by a purchaser of a state medical marijuana card should be taken as evidence of unlawful use.

NSSF^® will continue to monitor this issue, and provide relevant updates to our members regarding the legal status of marijuana and related products.

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