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Many people are unaware of the laws and regulations in Connecticut regarding gun ownership, especially when a medical card is involved. Owning a firearm comes with great responsibility, and it’s essential to understand the laws before making any decisions.
So, can you own a gun and have a medical card in Connecticut? In short, no. Due to marijuana’s status as a Schedule I drug, it is prohibited for a person to possess a gun if they hold a medical marijuana card.
That said, there are many laws and regulations you should be aware of when it comes to owning a gun in the state. In this article, we’ll break down the essentials you should know regarding gun laws in Connecticut.
Connecticut Gun Laws
In Connecticut, the right to bear arms is regulated by state and federal law. Exercise of this right is subject to restrictions, including permits and registration requirements. In order to purchase a firearm in the state of Connecticut, an individual must meet certain criteria and complete multiple forms.
First, the buyer must be a resident of Connecticut and at least twenty-one years old. The buyer must also possess a valid permit or eligibility certificate for handguns or long guns or be a licensed firearms dealer or sworn police officer. An individual who does not possess one of these will not be able to purchase any firearms in Connecticut.
When purchasing firearms in Connecticut, all buyers must fill out two forms: Federal Form 4473 and State Form DPS-67-C. This process requires that buyers submit their full name, address, date of birth, criminal history information, and other relevant personal details. Once approved on Federal Form 4473, they must fill out State Form DPS-3-C when the firearm is delivered to them.
All firearm purchases in Connecticut are subject to NICS background checks and a two-week waiting period for long gun purchases before delivery can occur.
In addition to these regulations, there are restrictions on which types of firearms are allowed in Connecticut. Handguns may only use magazines with a capacity of 10 rounds or less when firing centerfire ammunition. However, .22 caliber rimfire rifles may have larger capacities due to their low muzzle velocity and relatively small projectile size.
Can You Own a Gun and Have a Medical Card in CT?
Having a Medical Marijuana card effectively prohibits individuals in Connecticut from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition. This is due to federal law, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug with “no currently accepted medical use in treatment” and makes it illegal for those who possess a Medical Marijuana card to receive any firearm or ammunition.
Accordingly, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has issued regulations that forbid those with a Medical Marijuana card from owning guns or ammunition. These regulations state that anyone who is an unlawful user of or addicted to marijuana is prohibited from having any firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Given these restrictions, it is not legal for someone with a Medical Marijuana card in Connecticut to possess any firearm or ammunition.
Is It Permissible to Carry a Firearm to a Dispensary in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, individuals who wish to purchase firearms must possess either a Connecticut Pistol Permit (CTPP) or a Certificate of Eligibility for Pistol and Revolvers or Long Guns or Ammunition.
With CTPP, both open and concealed carry are permitted. However, there are certain places where carrying firearms is not allowed, such as state parks and schools. Additionally, individuals must complete a live-fire weapons training course to be eligible for the CTPP.
Although it may seem safe to carry a firearm with a permit into a dispensary in Connecticut, it might still be an issue since it is against federal and state law to possess both a CTPP and a medical card.
Is It Legally Permissible to Possess a Firearm and Consume CBD in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, it is legally permissible to possess a firearm and consume CBD as long as the CBD consumed is derived from hemp and contains no more than 0.3% THC. This is in accordance with Senate Bill 893, passed in 2018, which legalized hemp-derived CBD products in the state.
However, if the CBD consumed is derived from marijuana, then you must follow stricter protocols. Only people who have registered in the Medical Marijuana Program can legally use both hemp-derived and marijuana-derived CBD products.
In What Ways Does the Possession of a Medical Marijuana Card Impact an Individual’s Eligibility for a Connecticut Pistol Permit?
If you are registered in Connecticut’s Medical Marijuana Program and possess a valid medical marijuana card, you will not be eligible for a pistol permit. This is due to federal law prohibiting anyone who uses or is addicted to any controlled substance from owning firearms.
Additionally, if you have ever been legally diagnosed with any mental disorder or if you have ever been convicted of a felony crime, then you will also be ineligible for a Connecticut pistol permit.
What Is a Connecticut Pistol Permit?
A Connecticut pistol permit is a document issued by the state of Connecticut that entitles you to legally own and carry firearms in the state. It involves undergoing a background check and filing an application with your local police department or issuing authority. If approved, you will receive a valid Pistol Permit Card, which must be renewed every five years.
How Can the Federal Government Prevent an Individual From Obtaining a Connecticut Pistol Permit?
Under federal law, any “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm. Therefore, if an individual is registered in Connecticut’s Medical Marijuana Program and possesses a valid medical marijuana card, they would be considered an “unlawful user” of marijuana, making them ineligible for a pistol permit.
Can You Consume CBD and Own a Gun in Connecticut?
Yes, it is possible to consume CBD and own a gun in Connecticut as long as the CBD consumed is derived from hemp and contains no more than 0.3% THC. However, if the CBD consumed is derived from marijuana (and you are not registered with the Medical Marijuana Program), then you will be ineligible for a pistol permit due to federal law prohibiting anyone who uses or is addicted to any controlled substance from owning firearms.
Must Read: Can I Own a Gun and Have a Medical Card in New York in 2023?
