A key committee in the Oklahoma Senate gave unanimous approval today to legislation that would establish gun right protections for medical cannabis patients.
Oklahoma Senate Bill 39 was unanimously approved by the Senate Public Safety Committee today in a 6 to 0 vote. The bill, introduced by State Senator Julie Daniels, prohibits individuals from being automatically disqualified from obtaining a handgun license solely based on their status as a medical cannabis patient.
SB 39 also modifies existing firearm laws by adding medical marijuana to the list of substances under which carrying a firearm is prohibited if the substance impairs mental, emotional, or physical faculties. However, it explicitly states that possessing a valid medical marijuana patient license cannot be used as grounds to deny an individual’s eligibility for a handgun license.
Oklahoma voters approved medical marijuana legalization in June 2018 through State Question 788, leading to one of the most expansive patient access programs in the nation. The enactment SB 39 would clarify how medical marijuana use intersects with firearm laws, reinforcing that responsible gun ownership remains permissible for registered patients while setting clear restrictions on carrying while impaired.
The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
