Can You Own Guns with a Medical Card in PA?
As a resident of Pennsylvania, you may be wondering if you can own guns with a medical card. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the type of medical card you have and the specific laws and regulations in your state.
What is a Medical Card in PA?
In Pennsylvania, a medical card refers to a certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) that allows a patient to use medical marijuana for therapeutic purposes. The medical card is issued to patients who have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, such as chronic pain, nausea, or muscle spasms, and who have been recommended to use medical marijuana by a licensed physician.
Can You Own Guns with a Medical Card in PA?
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, individuals who are certified to use medical marijuana are not prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. However, there are some restrictions and considerations to keep in mind.
Federal Law
Under federal law, individuals who use marijuana, including those with a medical card, are considered to be "unlawful users" of a controlled substance. This means that they may be prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. However, the Pennsylvania State Police have stated that they will not deny a firearms permit to an individual solely because they have a medical card.
Pennsylvania Law
Pennsylvania law does not specifically prohibit individuals with a medical card from owning or possessing firearms. However, the Pennsylvania State Police may consider an individual’s medical card as part of their background check when processing a firearms permit application.
Other Considerations
Even if you are allowed to own guns with a medical card in PA, there are other considerations to keep in mind:
- Background Check: As mentioned earlier, the Pennsylvania State Police may consider your medical card as part of their background check when processing a firearms permit application.
- Local Ordinances: Some local governments in Pennsylvania may have their own ordinances regulating the possession of firearms. These ordinances may prohibit individuals with a medical card from owning or possessing firearms.
- Insurance: Some insurance companies may not cover individuals who use medical marijuana, which could affect your ability to purchase or maintain firearms insurance.
- Employment: Some employers may have policies prohibiting employees from using medical marijuana, which could affect your employment status if you are a gun owner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while individuals with a medical card in PA are not prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, there are some restrictions and considerations to keep in mind. It is important to note that federal law considers individuals who use marijuana, including those with a medical card, to be "unlawful users" of a controlled substance, which may affect their ability to own or possess firearms.
Table: Summary of Key Points
| Federal Law | Pennsylvania Law | Local Ordinances | Insurance | Employment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibition on owning firearms | Yes | No | May vary | May vary | May vary |
| Background check | Yes | Yes | May vary | May vary | May vary |
| Local ordinances | N/A | N/A | May vary | N/A | N/A |
| Insurance | N/A | N/A | N/A | May vary | N/A |
| Employment | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | May vary |
Additional Resources
- Pennsylvania Department of Health: Medical Marijuana Program
- Pennsylvania State Police: Firearms Licensing
- National Rifle Association (NRA): Medical Marijuana and Firearms Ownership
It is important to note that laws and regulations are subject to change, and it is always best to consult with a licensed attorney or law enforcement agency for specific guidance on gun ownership and medical marijuana use in PA.
