NORML Defends Cannabis Consumers' Constitutional Rights

Supreme Court hears case on whether cannabis use should prohibit firearm ownership

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:57pm

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The US Supreme Court is considering whether an individual's status as a cannabis consumer should prohibit them from legally owning a firearm. NORML, a cannabis advocacy group, has filed a brief urging the Justices to strike down the longstanding federal ban, arguing that cannabis consumers' 2nd Amendment rights should not be infringed upon.

Why it matters

This case has significant implications for the rights of cannabis consumers, who have historically faced discrimination and had their rights denied by the government. NORML's involvement highlights their ongoing efforts to protect the constitutional rights of cannabis users and ensure they are not unfairly targeted or denied basic freedoms.

The details

In the case of United States v. Hemani, lawyers for the federal government argue that cannabis consumers should be prohibited from owning firearms. However, NORML contends that this would be unconstitutional, as cannabis consumers have historically been able to own firearms without issue. NORML has previously filed briefs in other cases defending the 2nd Amendment rights of cannabis users.

  • The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case on March 10, 2026.

The players

NORML

A cannabis advocacy organization that has long fought to ensure cannabis consumers' constitutional rights are protected, including their 2nd Amendment rights.

United States

The federal government, which is arguing that cannabis consumers should be prohibited from owning firearms.

United States v. Hemani

The Supreme Court case examining whether an individual's status as a cannabis consumer should prohibit them from legally owning a firearm.

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What they’re saying

“For centuries, Americans cultivated, consumed, and prescribed cannabis without any suggestion that doing so warranted loss of firearms rights. And state-legal medical cannabis users readily continue to do so today with the protection of Congress.”

— NORML

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in the United States v. Hemani case in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case represents the latest battleground in the ongoing fight to protect the rights of cannabis consumers, who have historically faced undue discrimination and had their freedoms infringed upon. NORML's involvement underscores their commitment to ensuring cannabis users are not denied their constitutional rights.