Maryland House Bill HB413

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Firearms - Right to Purchase, Possess, and Carry

Impact

If enacted, HB 413 would specifically affect existing laws under the Public Safety Article in Maryland. By establishing that medical cannabis use cannot preclude an individual from exercising their right to bear arms, the bill aims to create a more inclusive legal framework for firearm ownership. This change could lead to a reevaluation of background checks and eligibility requirements for firearm acquisition for medical cannabis users, potentially increasing the number of people legally able to possess firearms while simultaneously using medical cannabis.

Summary

House Bill 413 aims to amend Maryland's firearms law by ensuring that individuals authorized to use medical cannabis cannot be denied the right to purchase, possess, or carry a firearm solely based on their medical cannabis status. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of medical cannabis users, framing it as a public safety measure that aligns with the rights granted under the Second Amendment. This provision seeks to clarify the intersection between firearm ownership rights and medical cannabis laws, promoting a stance that individuals should not have to sacrifice their rights due to medical treatment choices.

Contention

The bill has generated discussion regarding its implications for public safety and the potential consequences it may have on gun violence and crime rates. Opponents might argue that allowing individuals who use medical cannabis to possess firearms could pose risks, given concerns about the effects of cannabis on judgment and motor skills. Proponents, however, contend that the bill does not equate medical cannabis use with irresponsibility and that law-abiding individuals should not lose their rights due to their health choices. This ongoing debate reflects broader societal discussions surrounding gun rights, health-related regulations, and individual liberties.