Firearms possession and Med Pot

Status
Not open for further replies.
H

HiBC

New member
Sometimes life offers choices."I can have A or B,but not A+B"

With the new Fed policy on non-enforcement relative to medical marijuana,I suggest it may be true that if one documents oneself as a medpot user or supplier,it would be a bad idea to be caught owning or purchasing a firearm.

I recall the place where I sign that says "I am not a user of or addicted to...."

when I buy a firearm.

I don't use pot.

I do not intend this thread to be a forum on pot or medpot.Inappropriate here.


My purpose is to point out that people who choose to document themselves as a user should consider the implications,and realize they may be choosing to give up their 2A right by the choice they make
 
Medical Marijuana laws exempt you from that, like getting caught with a registered gun and some prescribed Oxicontin, you see.... if you can have a 40oz. and a shotgun in a car, why not 4:20? Oh yeah, there is a law known as "HIPPA (health information privacy protection act) so when you fill out the gun paper work, "do you use drugs" marijuana is an erb, a plant, classified under natural remedy. Ask a lawyer, all marijuana shop owners have guns in their store, a few months back a shop got robbed, and the owner came out shooting, got back the medicine and no charges were filed, cause cops hate criminals more than weed users. The law has limits, if you use marijuana and own a gun, it's the same (even worst) to be under alcohol or prescribe pills, (that make people cookoo). It's ok to own guns and be a 4:20 patient, How do i know, lets say i have taken the step to see "what happens" and "do something" 2 years later, i'm still ok. :D
 
yet there are no laws that prohibit occasional drinkers from owning a firearm...
Click to expand...

There are laws, however, against being in the possession of a firearm whle intoxicated, whether on alcohol, legal or illegal drugs.
 
Several of you are forgetting that LAWFUL drug use is allowed. Whether it's nicotine, caffeine or alcohol all are legal to use. Obviously, their misuse (drunk driving for example) is unlawful.
While some states have decriminialized medical use of marijuana, it REMAINS illegal under FEDERAL LAW. While Obamas Justice Department says they aren't going to pursue those using "medical marijuana" they COULD- because it's illegal.

Question 11e on Form 4473 asks:

"Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?"
Click to expand...

You can dance around it all day that it's doctor prescribed, it's an herb, a natural substance, blah, blah, blah- if it's illegal under Federal law you cannot truthfully answer question 11e on the Form 4473.

Get caught lying on a Form 4473 gets you up to 10 years imprisonment and/or up to a $250,000 fine.







.
 
Last edited:
From a legal standpoint, just because it is legalized under STATE law; doesn't make it legal under FEDERAL law and it might well effect other FEDERAL laws concerning illegal drug use - like firearms possession.

Also, like many federal laws, trying to be evasive or less than truthful usually lands you with worse charges than telling the truth would have.
 
As previously pointed out by Bartholomew Roberts and dogtown tom state legalization does not do away with federal law and violations of federal law.

See question 11(e) of Form 4473 below:
ATFform4473copy2.jpg


I believe that for knowingly making any false statement or representation on Federal Form 4473, the penalty is 10 years.
 
18 USC 922

(g) It shall be unlawful for any person—

(3) who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802));

to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition; or to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.



If you use or are addicted to a controlled substance, as defined by federal law you are prohibited from owning a firearm. Since federal law doesn't recognize medical marijuana being a medical marijuana user and in possession of a firearm would place you in violation of federal law.

While the current justice department says they won't go after medical marijauna users have they made any similar statement about not going after marijauna users who possess firearms.

Right or wrong that is the law. If you choose to violate it you do so at your own risk.
 
18 USC 922

(g) It shall be unlawful for any person—

(3) who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802));

to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce
Click to expand...

Ah yes. In or affecting commerce, like everything under the sun. Sorry, but I can't resist a blast from the past for all the strict constructionist drug warriors...

James Madison

13 Feb. 1829
Letters 4:14--15 James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell


For a like reason, I made no reference to the "power to regulate commerce among the several States." I always foresaw that difficulties might be started in relation to that power which could not be fully explained without recurring to views of it, which, however just, might give birth to specious though unsound objections. Being in the same terms with the power over foreign commerce, the same extent, if taken literally, would belong to it. Yet it is very certain that it grew out of the abuse of the power by the importing States in taxing the non-importing, and was intended as a negative and preventive provision against injustice among the States themselves, rather than as a power to be used for the positive purposes of the General Government, in which alone, however, the remedial power could be lodged.
Click to expand...
 
The problem, of course, is that even Madison knew what might happen.

James Madison

13 Feb. 1829
Letters 4:14--15 James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell


For a like reason, I made no reference to the "power to regulate commerce among the several States." I always foresaw that difficulties might be started in relation to that power which could not be fully explained without recurring to views of it, which, however just, might give birth to specious though unsound objections. Being in the same terms with the power over foreign commerce, the same extent, if taken literally, would belong to it. Yet it is very certain that it grew out of the abuse of the power by the importing States in taxing the non-importing, and was intended as a negative and preventive provision against injustice among the States themselves, rather than as a power to be used for the positive purposes of the General Government, in which alone, however, the remedial power could be lodged.
Click to expand...
Until such a time that the Court revisits Wickard, we will have to live with the cards dealt.

Therefore, if you are a lawful medical marijuana user, in your State, you may not purchase or possess firearms under current Federal Law.
 
I am the OP
When I made this post,I had no intent to make any comment on what choices a person should make.

My only intent was that folks should consider the implications if applicable,as in,it might be like getting a tattoo and changing your mind later.Oops.

For myself,I prefer not to bet my liberty on discretionary enforcement.That can change faster than mountain weather,and in the end,the law as written will matter if you have the cuffs on.

We get to make choices.

It does seem,from the replies,some folks have learned something
 
it specifically says "...unlawful use, or addicted...," isn't medical marijuana use legal? Making it a null and void point to discuss the legality of being a MM user and owning a gun? You're not falsifying documentation on the form if you check no and you are an MM user, as you are lawfully using it as medicine.
 
it specifically says "...unlawful use, or addicted...," isn't medical marijuana use legal?
Click to expand...

Under federal law marijuana is illegal all the time and everywhere. Under some state laws, it is legal for medical reasons. The federal government is merely overlooking the violation under Obama. Since it is a federal violation (aka unlawful use), possession of a firearm under federal law is illegal.
 
Under federal law marijuana is illegal all the time and everywhere. Under some state laws, it is legal for medical reasons. The federal government is merely overlooking the violation under Obama. Since it is a federal violation (aka unlawful use), possession of a firearm under federal law is illegal.
Click to expand...
So, we've got a dichotomy between state and federal regulations. Perhaps a bill to make an exception for drugs consumed under medical advice?

Heck, I'd rather shoot with a guy smoking a joint a day for glaucoma than a guy consuming a regular cocktail of Xanax, Percocet and Adderall.

Another option might be a 10th Amendment suit in one of the states with the Firearms Freedom Act. Such states are already considering certain federal gun regulations as infringements on their powers, and this is simply another of those.
 
10-4 that Tom

I have been on some pain medication myself before that I would not even have considered firing any of my guns.

I know a couple of folks on Rx's that do not need to be near firearms.

But, as you say cannibis used as a medicine in proper doses would present no threat to me by someone else.

However, alcohol and gunpowder never mixes well.
 
I'm actually not seeing how it's illegal federally but legal in certain states, but it's still illegal usage if you're using it legally in that state. You see what I'm saying? If I am legally using marijuana for medical purposes in... whatever states it's legal in right now, I'm not breaking any laws. But, if I fill out an FFL form, then it's magically illegal? I just don't get it.
 
If I am legally using marijuana for medical purposes in... whatever states it's legal in right now, I'm not breaking any laws. But, if I fill out an FFL form, then it's magically illegal? I just don't get it.
Click to expand...
Hence the potential 10th Amendment issue.

I know a couple of folks on Rx's that do not need to be near firearms.
Click to expand...
A few months back, I almost got shot by a kid on Adderall who was trying to clear his pistol before entering the range. The guy was shaking, his pupils were dilated, he was visibly agitated and he couldn't maintain eye contact. The legal prescription status of the drug is irrelevant: he was on amphetamines, and was clearly unable to handle a firearm safely.

But, as you say cannibis used as a medicine in proper doses would present no threat to me by someone else.
Click to expand...
Until one of them forces you to listen to the second side of Close to the Edge, which is apparently, like, one of the, like, greatest records ever, man :)
 
Thomme said:
I'm actually not seeing how it's illegal federally but legal in certain states, but it's still illegal usage if you're using it legally in that state. You see what I'm saying? If I am legally using marijuana for medical purposes in... whatever states it's legal in right now, I'm not breaking any laws. But, if I fill out an FFL form, then it's magically illegal? I just don't get it.
Click to expand...
You may not get it, but that doesn't change federal law.

Under federal law, marijuana is a controlled substance, and possession violates federal law. The Constitution says:

"...This Constitution, and the laws of the United States ...shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding...." (Article VI)
 
Thomme: I'm actually not seeing how it's illegal federally but legal in certain states, but it's still illegal usage if you're using it legally in that state. You see what I'm saying? If I am legally using marijuana for medical purposes in... whatever states it's legal in right now, I'm not breaking any laws. But, if I fill out an FFL form, then it's magically illegal? I just don't get it.
Click to expand...

Magically? Please. It's illegal under Federal law. Period.

What may be legal under your state law doesn't exempt you from Federal law.

http://norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4575


.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top