An outline of requirements for those who want to obtain a Michigan Concealed Pistol License.
A. State Requirements
An applicant for a Michigan CPL must:
1. Be at least 21 years of age.
2. Be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted into the United States.
3. Be a legal resident of Michigan and reside in Michigan for at least six months immediately prior to application. An applicant is a resident of Michigan if one of the following applies:
• The applicant possesses a valid, lawfully obtained Michigan driver’s license or official Michigan personal identification card.
• The applicant is lawfully registered to vote in Michigan.
• The applicant is on active duty status with the United States Armed Forces and is stationed outside of Michigan, but Michigan is the applicant’s home of record.
• The applicant is on active duty status with the United States Armed Forces and is permanently stationed in Michigan, but the applicant’s home of record is another state.
Note: The county clerk shall waive the six-month residency requirement if one of the following applies:
• For an emergency license, if the applicant is a petitioner for a personal protection order issued under MCL 600.2950 or MCL 600.2950a.
• For an emergency license, if the county sheriff determines that there is clear and convincing evidence to believe that the safety of the applicant or the safety of a member of the applicant’s family or household is endangered by the applicant’s inability to immediately obtain a license to carry a concealed pistol.
• For a new resident, if the applicant holds a valid concealed pistol license issued by another state at the time the applicant’s residency in this state is established
4. Have knowledge and training in the safe use and handling of a pistol by successfully completing an appropriate pistol safety training course or class.
5. Not be subject to an order or disposition for any of the following:
• Involuntary hospitalization or involuntary alternative treatment.
• Legal incapacitation.
• Personal protection order.
• Bond or conditional release prohibiting purchase or possession of a firearm.
• Finding of not guilty by reason of insanity.
6. Not be prohibited from possessing, using, transporting, selling, purchasing, carrying, shipping, receiving, or distributing a firearm under MCL 750.224f.
7. Have never been convicted of a felony in Michigan or elsewhere, and a felony charge against the applicant is not pending in Michigan or elsewhere at the time he or she applies for a CPL.
8. Have not been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.
9. Have not been convicted of a misdemeanor violation of any of the following in the eight years immediately preceding the date of the application and a charge for a misdemeanor violation of any of the following is not pending against the applicant in this state or elsewhere at the time he or she applies for a CPL:
• MCL 257.617a, failing to stop when involved in a personal injury accident
• MCL 257.625, operating while intoxicated or with any presence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine, punishable as a second offense under, MCL 257.625(9)(b)
• MCL 257.625m, operating a commercial motor vehicle with alcohol content, punishable as a second offense under MCL 257.625m(4)
• MCL 257.626, reckless driving
• MCL 257.904(1), operating while license suspended/revoked/denied or never applied for a license, punishable as a second or subsequent offense
• MCL 259.185, operating an aircraft while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance with prior conviction
• MCL 290.629, hindering or obstructing certain persons performing official weights and measures duties
• MCL 290.650, hindering, obstructing, assaulting, or committing bodily injury upon director of the Department of Agriculture or authorized representative of the director
• MCL 324.80176, operating a vessel under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance, or with an unlawful blood alcohol content, punishable as a second or subsequent offense under MCL 324.80177(1)(b)
• MCL 324.81134, operating an off-road vehicle (ORV) under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance or with an unlawful alcohol content, punishable as a second or subsequent offense under MCL 324.81134(8)(b)
• MCL 324.82127, operating a snowmobile under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, or with an unlawful blood alcohol content, or with any presence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine, punishable as a second or subsequent offense under MCL 324.82128(1)(b) MCL 333.7403, possessing a controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or prescription form
• MCL 462.353, operating a locomotive under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, or while visibly impaired, punishable as a second offense under MCL 462.353(4)
• MCL 722.677, displaying sexually explicit matter to minors
• MCL 750.81, assault or domestic assault
• MCL 750.81a(1) or (2), aggravated assault or aggravated domestic assault
• MCL 750.115, breaking and entering or entering without breaking
• MCL 750.136b(7), fourth-degree child abuse
• MCL 750.145n, vulnerable adult abuse
• MCL 750.157b(3)(b), solicitation to commit a felony
• MCL 750.215, impersonating a peace officer or medical examiner
• MCL 750.223, illegal sale of a firearm or ammunition
• MCL 750.224d, illegal use or sale of a self-defense spray or foam device
• MCL 750.226a, sale or possession of a switchblade
• MCL 750.227c, improper transporting or possessing a loaded firearm in or upon a vehicle
• MCL 750.229, pawnbroker accepting a pistol in pawn, or any second-hand or junk dealer accepting a pistol and offering or displaying it for resale
• MCL 750.232, failure to register the purchase of a firearm or a firearm component
• MCL 750.232a, improperly obtaining a pistol, making a false statement on an application to purchase a pistol, or using or attempting to use false identification of another to purchase a pistol
• MCL 750.233, intentionally pointing or aiming a firearm without malice
• MCL 750.234, discharging a firearm while intentionally aimed without malice
• MCL 750.234d, possessing a firearm on prohibited premises
• MCL 750.234e, brandishing a firearm in public
• MCL 750.234f, possession of a firearm in public by an individual less than 18 years of age
• MCL 750.235, discharging a firearm pointed or aimed intentionally without malice causing injury
• MCL 750.235a, parent of a minor who violates the Firearms Chapter of the Michigan Penal Code in a weapon-free school zone
• MCL 750.236, setting a spring or other gun, or any trap or device
• MCL 750.237, carrying, possessing, using, or discharging a firearm while under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, while having an unlawful alcohol content, or while visibly impaired
• MCL 750.237a, weapon-free school zone violation
• MCL 750.335a, indecent exposure
• MCL 750.411h, stalking
• MCL 750.520e, fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct
• Former MCL 750.228, failure to have a pistol inspected
• MCL 752.861, careless, reckless, or negligent use of a firearm resulting in injury or death
• MCL 752.862, careless, reckless, or negligent use of a firearm resulting in property damage
• MCL 752.863a, reckless discharge of a firearm
• A violation of a law of the United States, another state, or a local unit of government of this state or another state substantially corresponding to a violation described above
10. Have not been convicted of a misdemeanor violation of any of the following in the three years immediately preceding the date of application and a charge for a misdemeanor violation of any of the following is not pending against the applicant in this state or elsewhere at the time he or she applies for a license:
• MCL 257.625, operating while intoxicated, visibly impaired, under 21 years of age with any bodily alcohol content, or with any presence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine
• MCL 257.625a, refusal of commercial motor vehicle operator to submit to a preliminary chemical breath test
• MCL 257.625l, circumventing or tampering with an ignition interlocking device
• MCL 257.625m, operating a commercial motor vehicle with alcohol content, punishable under MCL 257.625m(3)
• MCL 259.185, operating an aircraft under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance
• MCL 324.81134, operating an ORV under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, with an unlawful alcohol content, with any presence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine, or while visibly impaired
• MCL 324.82127, operating a snowmobile under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, with an unlawful blood alcohol content, with any presence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine, or while visibly impaired
• MCL 333.7401 to 333.7461, controlled substance violation
• MCL 462.353, operating a locomotive under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, while visibly impaired, or with an unlawful alcohol content, punishable under MCL 462.353(3)
• MCL 750.167, disorderly person
• MCL 750.174, embezzlement
• MCL 750.218, false pretenses with intent to defraud or cheat
• MCL 750.356, larceny
• MCL 750.356d, second or third degree retail fraud
• MCL 750.359, larceny from vacant structure or building
• MCL 750.362, larceny by conversion
• MCL 750.362a, refuse or neglect to return vehicle, trailer, or other tangible property delivered on a rental or lease basis with intent to defraud the lessor
• MCL 750.377a, malicious destruction of personal property
• MCL 750.380, malicious destruction of real property
• MCL 750.535, buying, receiving, possessing, concealing, or aiding in the concealment of stolen, embezzled, or converted property
• MCL 750.540e, malicious use of service provided by telecommunications service provider
• A violation of a law of the United States, another state, or a local unit of government of this state or another state substantially corresponding to a violation described above
11. Have not been found guilty but mentally ill of any crime, and has not offered a plea of not guilty of, or been acquitted of, any crime by reason of insanity.
12. Is not currently and has never been subject to an order of involuntary commitment in an inpatient or outpatient setting due to mental illness.
13. Not have a diagnosed mental illness at the time the application is made that includes an assessment that the individual presents a danger to himself or herself or to another, regardless of whether he or she is receiving treatment for that illness.
14. Not be under a court order of legal incapacity in this state or elsewhere.
15. The applicant has a valid state-issued driver’s license or personal identification card.
B. Federal Requirements
Pursuant to MCL 28.426, a CPL may not be issued to a person prohibited under federal law from possessing or transporting a firearm as determined through the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Questions regarding the NICS check should be directed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) NICS Section at 1-(877) FBI-NICS (877-324-6427).
DISCLAIMER This post may contain re-posted content, opinions, comments, ads, third party posts, outdated information, posts from disgruntled persons, posts from those with agendas and general internet BS. Therefore…Before you believe anything on the internet regarding anything do your research on Official Government and State Sites, Call the Michigan State Police, Check the State Attorney General Website and Consult an Attorney.
Michigan is an open carry state. There is no law that says it is illegal to do so.
The Michigan State Police legal update describes Michigan’s open carry law as follows:
In Michigan, it is legal for a person to carry a firearm in public as long as the person is carrying the firearm with lawful intent and the firearm is not concealed. You will not find a law that states it is legal to openly carry a firearm. It is legal because there is no Michigan law that prohibits it; however, Michigan law limits the premises on which a person may carry a firearm.
Prohibited premises:
Schools or school property but may carry while in a vehicle on school property while dropping off or picking up if a parent or legal guardian
Public or private day care center, public or private child caring agency, or public or private child placing agency.
Sports arena or stadium
A tavern where the primary source of income is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass consumed on the premises
Any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless the presiding official or officials allow concealed weapons
An entertainment facility that the individual knows or should know has a seating capacity of 2,500 or more
A hospital
A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university
A Casino
Anyone with a concealed pistol license (CPL) may carry a non-concealed firearm in the above listed premises. And it’s important to note a CPL holder is not required by law to carry a pistol concealed. A CPL holder may carry a pistol concealed or non-concealed.
Private Property
A private property owner has the right to prohibit individuals from carrying firearms on his or her property, whether concealed or otherwise, and regardless of whether the person is a CPL holder.
If a person remains on the property after being told to leave by the owner, the person may be charged with trespassing.
Schools
Michigan schools are allowed to make their own rules about guns. The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled school districts are allowed to ban guns from their buildings and ask anyone with a gun to leave. Trespassing charges can be pursued if the person does not leave the school when asked.
M I C H I G A N S T A T E P O L I C E
LEGAL UPDATE
O C T O B E R 2 6 , 2 0 1 0
FIREARMS LAW
As more and more police officers are encountering citizens who are openly carrying firearms in Michigan, the Michigan State Police offers this special edition of the Update to assist officers in familiarizing themselves with Michigan laws regarding both open and concealed carrying of firearms.
Open carry of firearms
In Michigan, it is legal for a person to carry a firearm in public as long as the person is carrying the firearm with lawful intent and the firearm is not concealed.
You will not find a law that states it is legal to openly carry a firearm. It is legal because there is no Michigan law that prohibits it; however, Michigan law limits the premises on which a person may carry a firearm.
MCL 750.234d provides that it is a 90 day misdemeanor to possess a firearm on the premises of any of the following:
A depository financial institution (e.g., bank or credit union)
A church or other place of religious worship
A court
A theater
A sports arena
A day care center
A hospital
An establishment licensed under the Liquor Control Code
The above section does not apply to any of the following:
The owner or a person hired as security (if the firearm is possessed for the purpose of providing security)
A peace officer
A person with a valid concealed pistol license
(CPL) issued by any state
A person who possesses on one of the above
listed premises with the permission of the owner
or owner’s agent
Officers must be aware of the above exemption for valid CPL holders as many of the citizens who openly carry firearms possess valid CPLs.
An individual with a valid CPL may carry a non-concealed firearm in the above listed premises.
A CPL holder is not required by law to carry a pistol concealed. A CPL holder may carry a pistol concealed or non-concealed.
A private property owner has the right to prohibit individuals from carrying firearms on his or her property, whether concealed or otherwise, and regardless of whether the person is a CPL holder.
If a person remains on the property after being told to leave by the owner, the person may be charged with trespassing (MCL 750.552).
MCL 750.226 states it is a felony for a person to carry a dangerous weapon, including a firearm, with the intent to use the weapon unlawfully against another person.
Possession of firearms in public by a minor is addressed in MCL 750.234f.
Brandishing firearms
MCL 750.234e provides that it is a 90-day misdemeanor for a person to knowingly brandish a firearm in public. Brandishing is not defined in Michigan law and there are no reported Michigan cases that define the term.
Attorney General Opinion No. 7101 provides guidance and states, “A person when carrying a handgun in a holster in plain view is not waving or displaying the firearm in a threatening manner. Thus, such conduct does not constitute brandishing a firearm….”
In the absence of any reported Michigan appellate court decisions defining “brandishing,” it is appropriate to rely upon dictionary definitions. People v Denio, 454 Mich 691, 699; 564 NW2d 13 (1997). According to The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition (1982), at p 204, the term brandishing is defined as: “1. To wave or flourish menacingly, as a weapon. 2. To display ostentatiously. –n. A menacing or defiant wave or flourish.” This definition comports with the meaning ascribed to this term by courts of other jurisdictions. For example, in United States v Moerman, 233 F3d 379, 380 (CA 6, 2000), the court recognized that in federal sentencing guidelines, “brandishing” a weapon is defined to mean “that the weapon was pointed or waved about, or displayed in a threatening manner.”
Transporting firearms
Michigan law details how firearms may be transported in a vehicle. MCL 750.227c and MCL 750.227d discuss the transportation of firearms, other than pistols, in vehicles. MCL 750.227(2) makes it a felony for a person to transport a pistol anywhere in a vehicle unless the person is licensed to carry a concealed pistol.
Exceptions to the above statute are found in MCL 750.231a.
One such exception allows for transportation of pistols in a vehicle for a “lawful purpose.”
A lawful purpose includes going to or from any one of the following:
A hunting or target area
A place of repair
Moving goods from a home or business to another home or business
A law enforcement agency (for a safety inspection or to turn the pistol over to the agency)
A gun show or place of sale or purchase
A public shooting facility
Public land where shooting is legal
Private property where a pistol may be lawfully
used.
MCL 750.231a also provides that a pistol transported for a “lawful purpose” by a person not licensed to carry a concealed pistol must be all of the following:
Unloaded
In a closed case designed for firearms
In the trunk (or if the vehicle has no trunk, it must not be readily accessible to the occupants)
There is no way to “open carry” a pistol in a vehicle. An individual, without a CPL or otherwise exempted (e.g., a police officer), who transports a pistol in a vehicle to an area where he or she intends to “open carry” may be in violation of MCL 750.227.
Carrying concealed weapons
MCL 750.227 also makes it a felony for a person to carry a concealed pistol on or about his or her person unless the person is exempt under MCL 750.231 or MCL 750.231a.
Complete invisibility is not required.
The carrying of a pistol in a holster or belt outside the clothing is not carrying a concealed weapon.
Carrying a pistol under a coat is carrying a concealed weapon.
Op. Atty. Gen. 1945, O-3158. According to the Court of Appeals in People v. Reynolds, a weapon is concealed if it is not observed by those casually observing the suspect as people do in the ordinary course and usual associations of life. 38 Mich App. 159 (1970).
Firearms Act
MCL 28.422 provides that a person shall not purchase, carry, possess, or transport a pistol in Michigan without first having obtained a License to Purchase and registering the pistol.
The statute contains exemptions for certain persons and additional exemptions are located in MCL 28.422a and in MCL 28.432.
A person with a valid Michigan CPL does not have to obtain a License to Purchase; however, he or she still has to register the pistol after he or she purchases or otherwise acquires it using a Pistol Sales Record (MCL 28.422a). Violation is a state civil infraction.
Gun Belongs To Another Person?
Additionally, a person with a valid CPL can carry, possess, use, or transport a properly registered pistol belonging to another (MCL 28.432).
Gun Records
Pistol buyers are required to have in their possession their copy of the License to Purchase or Pistol Sales Record when carrying, using, possessing, and transporting the pistol for 30 days after they acquire the pistol. These records are commonly referred to as Registration Certificates or Green Cards.
Officers are reminded that after 30 days, there is no requirement to have either record in their possession or to keep either record.
CPL (Where It Get Confusing)
MCL 28.425o provides that a person with a valid CPL shall not carry a concealed pistol in a pistol free zone.
The following is a list of the premises (excluding parking lots) included in the statute:
First offense is a state civil infraction.
School or school property, except a parent or legal guardian who is dropping off or picking up a child and the pistol is kept in the vehicle
Public or private day care center
Sports arena or stadium
A bar or tavern where sale and consumption of liquor by the glass is the primary source of income (does not apply to owner or employee of the business).
Any property or facility owned or operated by a
church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other
place of worship, unless authorized by the presiding official
An entertainment facility that has a seating capacity of 2,500 or more
A hospital
A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university
Note, the above statute applies to CPL holders carrying a concealed pistol. If the CPL holder is carrying a non-concealed pistol, the statute does not apply. As noted above, the unlawful premises listed in MCL 750.234d do not apply to persons with a valid CPL. Therefore, a person with a valid CPL may carry a non-concealed pistol in the areas described in MCL 28.425o and MCL 750.234d.
Additionally, the above listed pistol-free zones for CPL holders do not apply to the following individuals when they are licensed to carry a concealed weapon:
Retired police officers
Persons employed or contracted by a listed entity to provide security where carrying a concealed pistol is a term of employment
Licensed private detectives or investigators
Sheriff’s department corrections officers
State police motor carrier officers or capital security officers
Members of a sheriff’s posse
Auxiliary or reserve officers of a police or sheriff’s department
Parole or probation officers of the department of corrections
Current or retired state court judges
Out-of-state residents
Non-residents may legally possess a firearm more than 30 inches in length in Michigan.
In order for a non-resident to possess a pistol in Michigan, he or she must either be licensed to carry a concealed pistol or be licensed by his or her state of residence to purchase, carry, or transport a pistol.
The ownership of property in Michigan does not qualify a non-resident to possess a pistol in Michigan.
Non-resident concealed pistol possession.
MCL 750.231a makes it legal for a non-resident of Michigan with a valid CPL issued by his or her state of residence to carry a concealed pistol in Michigan as long as the pistol is carried in conformance with any and all restrictions appearing on the license.
Individuals with out of state CPLs are subject to Michigan laws that govern Michigan CPL holders. As many states issue CPLs to out of state residents, officers should verify that the person actually resides in the state that issued the license.
If the person does not reside in the state that issued the license, Michigan does not recognize the CPL and the person may not carry a concealed pistol in Michigan.
Possession of pistols by non-residents
MCL 28.432 makes it legal for non-residents of Michigan who hold valid CPLs issued by another state to possess a non-concealed pistol in Michigan without complying with Michigan’s pistol registration requirements.
Additionally, MCL 28.422exempts residents of other states from Michigan’s pistol registration requirements therefore, allowing them to possess a pistol in Michigan, if all of the following requirements are met:
The person is licensed by his or her state of residence to purchase, transport, or carry a pistol,
The person is in possession of the license while in Michigan,
The person owns the pistol possessed in Michigan,
The person possesses the pistol for a lawful purpose as defined in MCL 750.231a, and
The person is in Michigan less than 180 days and does not intend to establish residency here.
A non-resident must present the license issued by his or her state of residence to a police officer upon demand. Failure to do so is a 90-day misdemeanor.
When transporting a firearm in Michigan, non-residents must transport pistols in compliance with MCL 750.231a (discussed above in the Transporting Firearms section), unless they have a concealed pistol license issued by their state of residence.
Officers are reminded that the Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Carrying a nonconcealed firearm is generally legal.
Officers may engage in a consensual encounter with a person carrying a non-concealed pistol; however, in order to stop a citizen, officers are required to have reasonable suspicion that crime is afoot.
For example, officers may not stop a person on the mere possibility the person may be carrying an unregistered pistol. Officers must possess facts rising to the level of reasonable suspicion to believe the person is carrying an unregistered pistol.
Officers are also reminded there is no general duty for a citizen to identify himself or herself to a police officer unless the citizen is being stopped for a Michigan Vehicle Code violation.
Here is the link to the Michigan State Police Legal Update from where the information was obtained. Please Note: Laws change so please consult an attorney for any legal questions.
You Won’t Lose Your Gun Just For Smoking Recreational Marijuana – In Illinois. 11,000 marijuana conviction expungements on 2020 new years day – In Illinois. One database fills while another “empties”.
Rumors that Illinois gun owners will lose their firearms if they use cannabis under the state’s new legalization mandate are false.
That’s according to multiple authorities after major news outlets published stories claiming gun owners who purchase adult-use cannabis in Illinois would be placed into a database banning them from buying firearms.
The Illinois State Police said Dec. 31 it will not revoke Firearm Owner Identification Cards based solely on someone’s marijuana usage.
Illinois State Rifle Association lobbyist Ed Sullivan said cannabis dispensaries cannot share identifying information with law enforcement agencies unless the customer authorizes it.
But Sullivan notes the federal government still considers marijuana a Schedule I narcotic.
He said this allows the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) to obtain the records of medical cannabis users and potentially restrict their ability to buy guns from Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers.
“If you intend to use cannabis and own a firearm taking the recreational cannabis route has less potential, detrimental effects on your 2nd Amendment rights than the medical cannabis route,” Sullivan said.
What about Michigan… Is anybody out there? Hello?…………………..What about Michigan?
July 27, 2018 – The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that the Ann Arbor and Clio school districts have a right to ban guns from their schools
In a very much watched case that deals a blow to gun rights advocates who argued state law prohibits schools from enacting those policies.
Both districts had adopted the policies that barred the possession of guns on school property or at a school-sponsored event.
They each were sued by different groups. One was Michigan Gun Owners with parent Ulysses Wong, sued the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Michigan Open Carry with parent Kenneth Herman filed suit against the Clio Area Schools.
On Friday July 27, 2018, The 4-3 ruling upheld a 2016 ruling by the Michigan Court of Appeals which came to the same conclusion.
Jim Makowski, the attorney for Michigan Gun Owners and Wong, said the decision saddens him because he believes it will do nothing to improve school safety.
“Now criminals can be confident that most school districts are not going to allow firearms on property,” Makowski said. “Now we’ve just created a whole bunch of soft targets that are not going to be protected by an individual with a firearm.”
“Safety is our first and our primary duty, even before our critical mission of teaching and learning,” said Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Jeanice Swift:.
That’s why the district, and its board, pushed the policy.
It is a complex and changing area of law. We know that federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) makes it a felony for an “unlawful user of … any controlled substance” to “possess … any firearm or ammunition.”
Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, so it is a felony for a user of marijuana to possess a firearm or ammunition. Juxtapose this with the fact that 28 states and the District of Columbia have now passed laws legalizing the medicinal and/or recreational use of marijuana.
The main question we get is: “I have a MMMA Card, can I still get a CPL and own and possess firearms?”
To get a License to Purchase a pistol or a Concealed Pistol License in Michigan, you must also pass a federal background check (NICS check). This brings federal law into the Michigan scheme of licensing. The ATF takes the position that anyone with a MMMA card is probably using and therefore they are not allowed to possess a firearm until 12 months after their last use. So, even having a card is a prohibitor in the eyes of the federal government.
Some argue that this may be a leap as a person with a MMMA card may not use marijuana the same as a CPL holder may not ever carry a pistol. The federal law has been challenged and been upheld so far. Courts have, without any real empirical evidence, assumed a connection between marijuana use and gun violence.
The Michigan database on who has a MMMA card does not talk to the State or Federal databases that are used for background checks. So, unless the person admits they have the card there is no real way for anyone to find out.
But you must fill out certain forms when you apply for a License to Purchase or CPL and you are stepping into a grey area when the marijuana question must be answered. Hopefully, we will get some clarity from new legislation or court cases in the future to make this interaction between laws more sensible.
More information about medical marijuana and firearms ownership can be found HERE.
About MCRGO:
The Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Formed from just eight people in 1996, we now have thousands of members and numerous affiliated clubs across the state. We’re growing larger and more effective every day.
Our mission statement is: “Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation” Visit: www.mcrgo.org.
