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Note Background check procedures may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see the Firearms page on the COVID-19 & Texas Law research guide for current information related to COVID-19 and background checks.
See other pages of this guide for more information on buying and transferring firearms, restrictions on felons, and licenses to carry firearms.
Under the restrictions of the Gun Control Act, it is illegal for a person "who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance" to possess, receive, or transport firearms or ammunition. This has raised concerns that participating in a medical marijuana program may cost patients their rights to possess firearms. The following links provide more information and context, but do not yet address how Second Amendment rights may be affected by the use of CBD or hemp-derived products as that is still a developing area of law.
There are many reasons a person might fail a background check or otherwise be barred from purchasing or possessing a firearm. Below is information about some possible reasons. For information about restrictions on convicted felons, see the felons and firearms page of this guide.