Supreme Court sides with Texas marijuana user who says it’s not a crime to have a gun
PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-06-18 09:14:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Administration Defended Gun Ban for Marijuana Users, Supreme Court Rules Against Position
The Supreme Court has delivered a setback to President Donald Trump’s Republican administration, siding with a Texas marijuana user who challenged a federal law barring gun ownership by illegal drug users. The administration had defended the 1968 law, despite opposing other gun restrictions.
Trump Administration’s Position on Gun Rights and Drug Use
While President Trump’s administration has often argued against new gun restrictions, in this case, it defended the longstanding federal prohibition on gun ownership for anyone who uses drugs illegally. This stance placed the administration in the unusual position of supporting a gun control measure, even as it argued against others.
Shifting Legal Landscape
The case comes amid significant changes in both gun rights and cannabis laws across the country. More than half of U.S. states have broadly legalized marijuana, and its use for health purposes has become widespread. However, recreational use remains illegal at the federal level, even after the Trump administration reclassified medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug in April.
Broader Implications
The Supreme Court’s decision is the latest in a series of firearm cases following a landmark 2022 ruling that expanded gun rights. Since then, the Court has both upheld and struck down various gun regulations, reflecting ongoing national debates over the Second Amendment.
Conclusion
President Trump’s administration’s defense of the gun ban for drug users stands in contrast to its broader opposition to gun restrictions. The Supreme Court’s ruling against this position highlights the evolving legal and political landscape surrounding both gun rights and marijuana use in the United States.