State Representative Derek Lewis (R) filed House Resolution 48 in the Kentucky House yesterday, calling on Congress to protect the Second Amendment rights of medical marijuana patients.
The resolution, which has been assigned to the Committee on Committees for further consideration, highlights the conflict between federal firearms regulations and state medical marijuana laws. Under current federal law, individuals who use a controlled substance—including marijuana, which remains federally illegal—are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. HR 48 argues that this policy forces medical marijuana patients to choose between accessing treatment and exercising their constitutional rights.
Kentucky legalized medical marijuana in 2023 when lawmakers passed Senate Bill 47. The law, which took effect on January 1, 2025, allows qualifying patients to access marijuana for conditions such as chronic pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea. However, despite the state’s legalization efforts, patients remain subject to federal firearm restrictions.
“This honorable body respectfully urges the United States Congress to work toward a solution to allow users of medical cannabis to purchase and possess firearms”, states the resolution. If passed, the Clerk of the House of Representatives would be “directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United State Senate, and each member of the Kentucky congressional delegation.”
For the full resolution, click here.
