ATF Reviewing Firearm Application After New Marijuana Ruling

Gun ownership in Montana isn't just a fundamental right; it is a rite of passage for many that are born and raised in the state.  And as with many rights, there are laws governing them to protect the overall health of the general population.

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Of those various laws, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco and Firearms (ATF) has limited those residing in states with medical marijuana licenses to purchase or own a weapon.  But that law could be changing with a new ruling on how medical marijuana in Montana and the country is classified.

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ATF Form 4473 Limited Medical Marijuana Licensed Patients Ownership

To purchase a firearm from a Federal Firearm licensed dealer in Montana or anywhere across the U.S., a person must complete an ATF Form 4473.  Of the many questions the form poses, drug use is among them.

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Wording in the drug use section of the Form 4473 contained the "marijuana use is Federally illegal even for medical purposes" line, preventing a medically licensed patient to purchase or have ownership of the weapon.

New Ruling on Medical Marijuana Classification Leads to Possible Change

In April 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) made the announcement that they would allow Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved marijuana products and qualifying state-regulated medical marijuana products to be placed in Schedule III, rather than the more dangerous Schedule I classification.

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With the new classification, the ATF published proposed new wording within the Form 4473, completely leaving out the previous warning about medical marijuana use.  For now, public comments on the proposed Form 4473 change are being taken until July 7, 2026.  The ATF will review those comments and decide whether to allow ownership later this year.