Maryland House Bill HB482

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/22
• Refer: 1/21/22

Caption

Firearms – Right to Purchase, Own, Possess, and Carry – Medical Cannabis

Impact

The impact of HB 482 is significant as it shifts the legal landscape regarding the rights of medical cannabis users in relation to firearms. By preventing state agencies from accessing databases of qualifying patients for the purpose of firearm ownership eligibility, the bill seeks to eliminate potential discrimination against those who use medical cannabis. This act will reinforce the notion that legal medicinal use should not impede an individual’s constitutional right to bear arms, aligning state law with growing public acceptance of medical cannabis.

Summary

House Bill 482 addresses the intersection of firearm ownership rights and medical cannabis use in Maryland. Specifically, the bill stipulates that individuals who are qualifying patients authorized to use medical cannabis cannot be denied the right to purchase, own, possess, or carry firearms solely based on their status as a medical cannabis user. This provision recognizes the legal use of medical cannabis while ensuring the protection of firearm rights for these individuals.

Contention

Notably, this bill may provoke contention among various stakeholders, particularly between advocates of gun rights and public health organizations. Proponents of HB 482 argue for individual freedoms and the right to self-defense, emphasizing that responsible medical cannabis use should not be criminalized or lead to loss of firearm rights. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about public safety and the potential risks associated with combining firearm possession and cannabis consumption, potentially calling for tighter regulations.