Montana Residents Weigh In on Gun Ownership for Marijuana Users
A recent Supreme Court decision to review a case on the issue of gun ownership for marijuana users has sparked debate in Montana, where both marijuana and gun ownership are legal. The Trump administration has asked the court to review the case, which could potentially restrict regular marijuana users’ ability to possess firearms.
Dr. Paul Pope, a political science professor at MSU-Billings, believes that the conservative majority on the Supreme Court will likely favor restrictions on gun ownership for marijuana users. He notes that the court’s current 6-3 conservative majority could sway the decision.
Steve Zabawa, founder of SafeMontana, an anti-marijuana activist group, argues that restrictions are necessary for public safety. He believes that marijuana users are more likely to make mistakes while under the influence, which could put themselves and others at risk.
On the other hand, Elizabeth Pincolini, owner of Billings Alternative Wellness, a medical marijuana dispensary, questions how such restrictions would be enforced. She argues that if marijuana users are going through the legal process of obtaining cannabis, they should not be penalized for their legal activities.
Pincolini also expressed concerns about the potential for the government to become overly involved in the lives of marijuana users. She believes that the Supreme Court’s decision could set a dangerous precedent for government overreach.
Dr. Pope also expressed concerns about the potential for the court’s decision to set a precedent for restricting rights and privacy. He worries that the court’s decision could lead to a slippery slope, where individuals who engage in legal activities are stripped of their rights.
The Supreme Court is expected to begin reviewing the case in 2026, with a final decision likely coming in the summer. Both sides will be closely watching the court’s eventual decision, which could have significant implications for gun ownership and marijuana use in Montana and beyond.
