Revising Definition of Unlawful User of or Addicted to Controlled Substance

The commenter, an Operations Manager at a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), supports the ATF's move to revise the definition of an unlawful user of a controlled substance. They request specific clarifications regarding how FFLs should handle state-issued medical marijuana cards and whether factors like the odor of marijuana should constitute "reason to know" for stopping a transaction.

A veteran who uses medical marijuana for PTSD argues that medical marijuana patients should retain their Second Amendment rights to purchase firearms. The commenter contends that there is no correlation between medical marijuana use and violent behavior and requests that the definition of an unlawful user be revised to allow these individuals to exercise their rights.

An individual with MS who uses medical marijuana argues that they should not be considered an "unlawful user" of a controlled substance. They support the proposed definition change to ensure that responsible medical marijuana users retain their right to own and carry firearms.

A disabled veteran supports the ATF's interim final rule to revise the definition of "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance." The commenter argues that the revision correctly aligns with judicial precedent by ensuring that isolated incidents or lawful medical cannabis use do not result in the automatic loss of Second Amendment rights.

A former prosecutor and attorney supports the Department of Justice's move to update the definition of an "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance" to require chronic use over an extended period. However, the commenter argues that the rule needs more specific "bright line" metrics, such as a sliding scale of aggravating and mitigating factors, to ensure consistent application and avoid subjective interpretation.

The commenter argues that the current definition of an "unlawful user" of a controlled substance is vague and unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. They advocate for a definition based on habitual patterns that cause immediate life-threatening consequences and psycho-physiological dependence, rather than single instances of use.

The commenter supports the ATF's move toward an evidence-based definition of "unlawful user" but argues the agency should go further. They urge the ATF to explicitly exempt individuals participating in state-legal medical or adult-use marijuana programs from being classified as unlawful users.

The commenter supports the ATF's Interim Final Rule to revise the definition of "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance" as it aligns with constitutional standards and modern medical practice. They specifically request that the rule explicitly exempt state-authorized medical cannabis patients from being classified as "unlawful users" to ensure consistent and fair enforcement.