In an unfortunate turn of events, Deja Taylor, mother to a 6-year-old boy who tragically wounded his teacher in Virginia, admitted to federal charges of using marijuana while possessing a firearm – a direct violation of U.S. law. Taylor was accused of dishonestly omitting her marijuana use while purchasing the firearm, the very gun her young son would later use to inflict harm on first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner, who sustained serious injuries and has since undergone numerous surgeries.
While this heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of safe storage of firearms and responsible parenting, it also highlights a growing dilemma in federal law enforcement. The disparity between state and federal marijuana laws is creating a legal paradox, especially as more states move toward legalization.
Taylor, faced with a potential 18 to 24 months in prison as part of her plea agreement, is also dealing with state-level charges of felony child neglect and reckless storage of a firearm. Yet, her federal case appears somewhat exceptional. Interestingly, marijuana has been legalized in her state of Virginia, despite remaining a controlled substance under federal law. The fact that she was singled out raises questions about the consistency of law enforcement and prosecutorial practices.
On a larger scale, this case leads us to examine the debate over the allocation of resources to prosecute those who provide false information on background check forms. A report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office revealed that only a “small percentage of individuals” who falsify their forms are prosecuted. Additionally, discrepancies in the racial distribution of these prosecutions are worrisome, with 56% of those convicted in 2021 being black, according to Karen O’Keefe of the Marijuana Policy Project.
Meanwhile, federal rulings in Oklahoma and Texas earlier this year deemed the ban on cannabis consumers owning and buying guns unconstitutional. These rulings prompted some conservative Congress members to propose legislation to eliminate this prohibition altogether.
Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV) has proposed a bill that would enable medical marijuana users to purchase and possess firearms. Additionally, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) aims to extend these rights to recreational cannabis users in states where its use is legal. Mast’s argument underscores the struggle between individual rights and legal complexities, stating, “No one should be forced to choose between their rights: you have a right to bear arms, and in many states, you have a right to use cannabis.”
As we discuss this issue, we must remember that the heart of this story lies in a classroom in Virginia, where a teacher suffered from the negligent actions of a parent. The health and safety of our educators and students should remain paramount. In our pursuit to uphold the Second Amendment and navigate the complex world of marijuana legislation, let us not forget the importance of responsibility, caution, and safety in gun ownership.
