Kentucky senators push to change law making gun ownership illegal for medical marijuana patients

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky lawmakers are pushing to change a law that makes it illegal for medical marijuana patients to own a gun.

Medical marijuana became legal in Kentucky on Jan. 1. But federal law makes it illegal to own a gun and use medical marijuana at the same time, causing confusion for some Kentuckians.

Under federal regulations, marijuana use classifies an individual as a "prohibited person," making it illegal to own a firearm.

This prohibition extends to concealed carry permits in Kentucky. Although the state does not require a permit to conceal carry in Kentucky, licenses are issued for those who want to carry in other states. Medical marijuana users do not qualify under federal guidelines.

"We're a state with a rich history of firearms," said Matthew Bratcher, executive director of KY NORML. "Even if you don't necessarily hunt, you might have an heirloom firearm in the household. That shouldn't disqualify someone from being a medical cannabis patient."

State lawmakers reconvened this week for a new legislative session, and are pushing to make a change.

It's a bipartisan effort spearheaded by Democratic Louisville Sen. David Yates and Republican Sen. Stephen West.

The senators proposed a resolution urging Congress to amend the Gun Control Act of 1968 to allow medical marijuana patients to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

A resolution would not change the 57-year-old law as it was passed in Washington, D.C., by Congress and not Kentucky's General Assembly. However, it would urge federal lawmakers to make the change.

Medical marijuana is now legal in 38 states.

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