Supreme Court agrees to review law that bars drug users from having firearms

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide whether a federal law that bars frequent users of illegal drugs from possessing a firearm violates the Constitution’s right to bear arms

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide whether a federal law that bars frequent users of illegal drugs from possessing a firearm violates the Constitution’s right to bear arms.

The Trump administration, which is defending the law despite its overall support for gun rights, had asked the justices to hear its appeal of an appeals court ruling in favor of Ali Daniel Hemani, an alleged regular user of marijuana who was charged with violating the law.

It is the same law that Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, was convicted under in June 2024 before being pardoned by his father.

Hunter Biden was convicted under the law now before the Supreme Court before being pardoned by President Joe Biden.Kevin Dietsch / Getty ImagesThe case is the second on gun rights the Supreme Court has taken up in recent weeks. On Oct. 3, the justices agreed to review whether a Hawaii law that imposes new restrictions on where people with concealed carry permits can bring handguns also violates the Constitution’s Second Amendment.

The court’s 6-3 conservative majority generally backs gun rights but, until the recent flurry of activity, had appeared reluctant to take up new cases on the issue.