The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Monday in a case testing whether people who use cannabis may legally possess firearms, a question with direct implications for residents in Southwest Washington. According to reporting by KGW, the case centers on the federal prohibition contained in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which bars firearm ownership for individuals who are considered “unlawful users” of controlled substances. Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, even in states where its use is permitted.

The case, United States v. Daniels, began after a Mississippi man was charged under the federal statute despite legally using medical cannabis under his state’s laws. The Supreme Court’s docket confirms the case is now before the justices, marking the first time the Court will address how federal firearms restrictions intersect with state‑legal marijuana use.

Washington voters legalized recreational cannabis in 2012, but federal firearm rules have not changed. The FBI’s background‑check system continues to treat any current cannabis use—medical or recreational—as a disqualifying factor for gun purchases. Local firearms instructors, gun shops, and cannabis dispensaries have long cautioned customers that the conflict between state and federal rules remains unresolved.

If the Supreme Court narrows or overturns the prohibition, residents in Cowlitz County could see immediate changes in how firearm eligibility is evaluated. Sheriff’s offices and local dealers currently follow federal guidance, and any shift from the Court would require agencies to reassess the rules they apply when processing purchases or issuing concealed pistol licenses.

For now, the federal prohibition remains in effect. The Biden administration argues that the statute is necessary for public safety, while attorneys challenging the law contend that it violates the Second Amendment by imposing blanket restrictions without individualized evidence of dangerousness.

Why this matters for Southwest Washington

Cowlitz County has some of the highest rates of legal cannabis use in the region, alongside a strong culture of firearm ownership. Local police agencies routinely encounter residents navigating the conflict between state‑legal marijuana and federal gun laws. The Supreme Court’s decision—expected later this year—could determine whether those residents continue facing prohibitions that do not exist under Washington law.

As federal and state rules continue to diverge, local officials, attorneys, and affected residents are watching closely for clarity. The Court’s ruling has the potential to reshape how constitutional rights and controlled‑substance policy intersect, not only in Washington but nationwide.

Sources

KGW: Unusual alliances form as Supreme Court takes up case on cannabis users and gun ownership

U.S. Supreme Court Docket: United States v. Daniels