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Legal & Law, News

Can You Get a Concealed Handgun Permit with a Medical Marijuana Card in Colorado?

Mark Schneider

If you are a resident of Colorado and hold a medical marijuana (MMJ) card, you may be curious about your eligibility to obtain a concealed handgun permit. This article explores the legal landscape and provides a detailed explanation of why individuals with an MMJ card are ineligible for a concealed carry permit in Colorado.

Understanding Colorado State Law

Colorado law, specifically C.R.S. 18-12-203(c), mandates that a sheriff shall issue a concealed carry permit to an applicant who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law. This requirement means that while Colorado state law allows for the issuance of concealed carry permits, compliance with federal regulations is necessary when determining an applicant’s eligibility.

Federal Law Restrictions

Federal law under 18 USC 922(g)(3) prohibits any person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition. Marijuana, including medical marijuana, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Federal law does not recognize any exceptions for marijuana used for medicinal purposes, even if state law permits its use.

Medical Marijuana and Federal Law

According to federal law, any individual who uses or is addicted to marijuana is considered an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Consequently, such individuals are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. This federal stance applies irrespective of state laws that authorize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Additionally, 18 USC 922(d)(3) makes it illegal for any person to sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to someone knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the person is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance. This means that not only are MMJ cardholders barred from possessing firearms, but others are also prohibited from selling or transferring firearms to them.

The Impact on Concealed Carry Permits

Given these federal restrictions, Colorado sheriffs are obligated to deny concealed handgun permit applications from individuals who hold medical marijuana cards. The central issue is the federal classification of marijuana as a controlled substance, which supersedes state legislation permitting its medicinal use.

Examples Illustrating the Impact

  1. Example 1: Jane’s Dilemma
    Jane is a Colorado resident with chronic pain, for which she has been prescribed medical marijuana. Despite her desire to protect herself and her family, Jane is ineligible for a concealed carry permit. According to federal law, her use of medical marijuana classifies her as an unlawful user of a controlled substance, making it illegal for her to possess a firearm.
  2. Example 2: Bob’s Misunderstanding
    Bob, another Colorado resident, has a medical marijuana card and decides to apply for a concealed carry permit. Unaware of the federal restrictions, Bob submits his application to the sheriff’s office. His application is denied due to his MMJ card status, highlighting the conflict between state permissions and federal prohibitions.
  3. Example 3: Sarah’s Legal Risk
    Sarah, who owns a firearm, starts using medical marijuana for anxiety relief. Under federal law, Sarah’s continued possession of her firearm while using medical marijuana is illegal. If she were to apply for a concealed carry permit, her application would be denied, and she could face legal consequences for possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

The Broader Legal Context

The interplay between state and federal laws creates a complex legal environment for medical marijuana users who wish to exercise their Second Amendment rights. While Colorado law permits the use of medical marijuana and the issuance of concealed carry permits, federal law’s stringent restrictions on controlled substances override these state provisions.

This legal conflict places significant limitations on the rights of MMJ cardholders regarding firearm possession and concealed carry permits. Individuals affected by these regulations must stay informed about both state and federal laws to avoid legal pitfalls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Colorado law allows the use of medical marijuana, federal law prohibits anyone who uses or is addicted to marijuana from possessing firearms or ammunition. As a result, if you have a medical marijuana card, you are ineligible to obtain a concealed handgun permit in Colorado. This conflict between state and federal law underscores the importance of understanding the broader legal context and seeking legal advice if needed.

For those navigating these regulations, staying informed about changes in both state and federal laws and consulting legal professionals is essential to ensure compliance and protect your rights.

Concealed Carry

Colorado New Concealed Carry Law Effective July 1, 2025

Mark Schneider

As of July 1, 2025, Colorado’s concealed carry permit process is no longer what it used to be.

In June 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed a law that overhauled the requirements for obtaining and renewing a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). These changes are now fully in effect and apply to all new applicants and renewals.

If you’re planning to carry concealed in Colorado, here’s what you need to know—and how to get certified legally and correctly under the new law.

🚨 Key Changes Now in Effect

✅ In-Person Training Is Mandatory

Online or remote concealed carry classes no longer meet the legal requirement. All CHP classes must be taken in person.

✅ You Must Train With a Verified Instructor

Under the new law, training must be completed through a verified instructor.

A verified instructor is someone who:

  • Holds a valid Colorado CHP
  • Is certified by law enforcement, a college or university, or a nationally recognized firearms training organization
  • Is officially approved by the County Sheriff

🛑 It is a criminal offense to falsely claim to be a verified instructor.

👉 We are verified instructors, fully approved under Colorado’s new law.

📚 Updated Curriculum Requirements

Your CHP training course must now include:

  • Firearm and ammunition safety
  • Safe storage practices and child safety
  • Basic shooting skills and fundamentals
  • Colorado and federal gun laws
  • The lawful use of deadly force in self-defense
  • Best practices for interacting with law enforcement
  • Avoiding criminal encounters and judgmental use of force

📝 Written and Live-Fire Exams Required

The initial concealed carry class now requires:

  • A written test with a passing score of 70% or higher
  • A live-fire shooting qualification, also requiring 70% or higher

The full class must provide at least 8 hours of in-person instruction, including legal review and range time.

🔄 Renewal Requirements Have Changed Too

If you’re renewing your permit, you must take either:

  • The full 8-hour class again
    OR
  • A refresher course with:
    • At least 2 hours of in-person instruction
    • Updates on gun laws
    • A written test and live-fire shooting qualification (70% required on each)

❌ New Restrictions for Misdemeanors

If you’ve been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within the last 5 years, you are no longer eligible for a CHP.

✅ Peace Officer Exemption

Current peace officers with valid POST certification can still demonstrate handgun competency through their professional credentials.

🛡️ Get Trained the Right Way—With Verified Instructors

We are a Colorado-verified training provider, certified to meet the requirements under the new law.

Our CHP classes include:

  • Live-fire range training
  • Written and practical testing
  • Complete legal education
  • Certified, experienced instructors
  • Training documentation accepted by all Colorado counties

🎯 Ready to Get Certified?

Don’t risk your permit by taking a class from a non-verified instructor or skipping required exams. We’ll walk you through the new process step-by-step and help you qualify legally and confidently.

👉 View Upcoming Concealed Carry Classes

🧠 More Resources:

Firearms & CCW Training in Denver

Colorado CHP Law Changes (Full Breakdown)

Compare Self-Defense Insurance Plans

Concealed Carry

The Importance of Appropriate Commands During Self-Defense Confrontations

Mark Schneider

Introduction

In high-stress situations such as self-defense confrontations, the words you choose can have significant consequences. This is particularly true for gun owners, police officers, armed security guards, and concealed carry weapon (CCW) holders. Effective communication can de-escalate a situation and provide clarity to bystanders and law enforcement. Conversely, inappropriate language can lead to misunderstandings, legal complications, and unnecessary escalation.

Appropriate Commands

When faced with a self-defense situation, it is crucial to use clear, assertive, and non-threatening commands. Here are some recommended phrases:

  • “Put the gun down!”
  • “Stay back!”
  • “Don’t move!”
  • “I will defend myself!”
  • “Put that weapon down!”

These commands are straightforward and focus on de-escalation and self-protection. They convey a clear message to the aggressor and any witnesses without inciting additional fear or aggression.

Why Avoid Inappropriate Language

Using vulgar or aggressive language, such as “I will fucking kill you” or “Stop, motherfucker, I have a weapon”, can have several negative consequences:

  1. Misinterpretation by Witnesses: Witnesses may misinterpret the situation if they hear aggressive or vulgar language. They might perceive the person defending themselves as the aggressor, especially in the chaos of a confrontation.
  2. Legal Repercussions: In court, statements made during a confrontation can be used as evidence. Aggressive language can be portrayed as intent to harm rather than self-defense, complicating legal defense.
  3. Escalation of Violence: Aggressive language can escalate the situation, increasing the likelihood of violence. A calm and assertive tone is more likely to encourage compliance from the aggressor.

The Power of Words: A Broader Perspective

The impact of language is not limited to self-defense situations. In public discourse, words can shape perceptions and policies. For example, the term “assault weapon” is often used in political debates about gun control. This term can evoke fear and support for bans among those unfamiliar with firearms, despite being a broad and often misleading classification.

Learning from Experts

Renowned firearms instructor Massad Ayoob emphasizes the importance of precise language in firearm training. He advises using the term “fill” magazines instead of “load” them to avoid confusion. This level of attention to language highlights its significance in both training and real-life scenarios.

Case Study: The Grocery Store Confrontation

Consider a CCW holder leaving a grocery store who is suddenly confronted by a criminal with a knife demanding his wallet. If the CCW holder responds with “Back off or I will fucking kill you”, and then is forced to discharge his firearm, witness statements could be problematic. A witness might report hearing aggressive threats and seeing a shooting, painting the CCW holder in a negative light.

In contrast, if the CCW holder uses the command “Stay back, I will defend myself” before discharging the firearm, witnesses are more likely to understand the situation as self-defense.

Conclusion

The words you choose in a self-defense situation matter. Clear, assertive, and non-threatening commands can prevent misunderstandings, avoid unnecessary escalation, and protect you legally. By adhering to recommended phrases and avoiding vulgar language, you contribute to a safer and more just resolution of self-defense confrontations.

Always remember, words have meaning and consequences. Choose them wisely.