House Republicans Introduce
Gun Rights and Marijuana Act

Despite the growing number of states that have legalized medical or recreational use of marijuana, it remains illegal under federal law for gun owners to smoke up, no matter if its legal in their state or not. Now, some Republican members of Congress are hoping to address the situation with the Gun Rights and Marijuana (or GRAM) Act.

HR 2830, which was introduced last week, would simply remove the federal prohibition on gun ownership and cannabis use in states where both are legal, according to co-sponsor Rodney Davis, a Republican from Illinois' 13th District. In a press release, Davis argues that the federal government needs to get out of the way of states when it comes to the issue.

"State-legal marijuana use should not be used as a pretext to bar individuals from purchasing or possessing firearms, which is a clear and well-defined Constitutional right," said Davis. "I've long believed that laws regulating the production and use of marijuana should be left to the states, not the federal government. With more and more states legalizing marijuana each year, we have to make sure that we are protecting the Second Amendment rights of Americans who reside in those states and use marijuana legally based on their state's laws. I'm proud to introduce this bill with Congressman Young and look forward to working with him to move it through Congress."

Rep. Don Young of Alaska is the primary sponsor of the GRAM Act, which he calls a "a critical step to protect our Constitution and secure individual liberty." Somewhat surprisingly, Rep. Brian Mast, a Republican from Florida who's previously called for a ban on modern sporting rifles, is also a co-sponsor of the new bill.

"It should be up to individual states to determine their own marijuana laws, not the federal government. The Constitution says nothing about marijuana but the Second Amendment clearly outlines every American's right to bear arms," Mast said. "This legislation makes it so individuals who use marijuana in a State that permits legal adult-use are still able to purchase firearms." .....