SB 39: Oklahoma Moves to Safeguard Firearm Rights for Cannabis Patients

19 February 2025

The Oklahoma Senate Public Safety Committee has unanimously approved Senate Bill 39, a measure that aims to safeguard the gun rights of medical marijuana patients in the state. Introduced by Sen. Julie Daniels (R), the legislation clarifies that a person cannot be denied a state-issued handgun license solely for holding a valid medical marijuana patient card. While the bill moves to the full Senate for consideration, it does not override federal prohibitions, which still classify marijuana use as grounds for firearm disqualification under federal law.

Daniels emphasized that recent court rulings have increasingly questioned the constitutionality of banning gun ownership based on marijuana use alone. The bill also includes provisions prohibiting the carrying of firearms while under the influence of marijuana, aligning with existing regulations that restrict gun possession under impairment from alcohol or other substances.

If enacted, SB 39 would provide clarity for Oklahoma’s over 300,000 registered medical marijuana patients, who currently face legal uncertainty regarding firearm ownership. The move aligns with broader national trends, where courts have issued mixed rulings on the legality of federal firearm restrictions for cannabis users. The bill, however, does not change federal law, meaning Oklahoma residents could still face federal consequences for owning guns while using cannabis.

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