Supreme Court narrows federal gun ban for marijuana users

In a unanimous decision on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government cannot categorically prohibit casual marijuana users from possessing firearms. The 9-0 ruling in United States v. Hemani represents a significant narrowing of a longstanding gun control law and marks the latest expansion of Second Amendment protections under the court's current framework.

The case centered on Ali Danial Hemani, a dual citizen of the United States and Pakistan living in Texas. In 2022, FBI agents searched his home as part of an investigation into alleged ties to Iranian groups. During the search, agents found a Glock 9mm pistol, approximately 60 grams of marijuana, and a small amount of cocaine. Hemani admitted to using marijuana about every other day. Federal prosecutors subsequently charged him under a provision of the 1968 Gun Control Act that makes it a felony for any "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance" to possess a firearm, a charge carrying a potential 15-year prison sentence. Hemani faced no other charges and was not accused of using the weapon while intoxicated or of any violent conduct.

Writing for the court, Justice Neil...