Guns And Cannabis: A Criminal Combination
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Cannabis remains criminalized on a federal level in the United States, though there are a growing number of states that have sought to establish their own rules surrounding the legality of the substance.
You can now find various states that have established their own legalized cannabis markets for either medicinal or recreational purposes.
There is still plenty of work to be done though, as many individuals are targeted and subjected to violence regularly by authorities who continue to police cannabis and keep up their efforts with the failed war on drugs.
There has been a growing trend toward legalization seen in the country, with states like Nevada, Oregon, Maine, and others, looking to adopt changes to their stance on marijuana.
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Cannabis is still prohibited federally and there is a federal law which stipulates that an individual cannot possess a gun legally if they also have a medical cannabis card. Those found violating the rule could face up to 10 yrs in jail.
Aside from it being a federally prohibited substance, critics also warn that they don't want to see guns and cannabis mix because too often they've seen cases of wrongdoing involving a combination of the two. But is it really anything compared to what we've also seen result from the wrongdoing carried out by those combining alcohol and driving?
There are many gun owners in the U.S. who have never and likely would never pose any threat with their weapon to fellow members in their community. And it's sad to assume otherwise simply because they might have an illness for which they use cannabis as a treatment. Even if every state went ahead and legalized cannabis, this criminal combination of guns and cannabis would still be a problem because cannabis remains federally criminalized.
There are some states that have moved to introduce legislation that makes it legal for people to both possess a medical cannabis card and own a gun, but that allegedly wouldn't protect them if they were arrested for a federal crime. Not only are they not able to own a gun but federal law also allegedly prohibits cannabis card owners from owning ammunition as well.
“They’re going to have to make a choice,.. They can have their guns or their marijuana, but not both.” - John T. Adams, president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.
Some of those who have both a cannabis card and own a gun, have said that they feel it's a violation of their Constitutional rights.
At the moment, it's said to be an issue that's left up to federal prosecutors and how they want to go ahead in dealing with the growing cannabis trend, the potential combination of someone having access to both cannabis and their legal firearm.
The ATF has previously warned that any American who is using cannabis, despite it being legalized in their state for recreational or medicinal purposes, is strictly prohibited from possessing any ammunition or firearms.
Sources:
http://wsbt.com/news/local/legally-guns-and-medical-marijuana-dont-mix
https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/can-a-medical-marijuana-patients-legally-own-a-gun
https://www.wmar2news.com/news/state/proposed-bill-would-allow-medical-marijuana-users-to-own-guns
http://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/my-guns-or-my-ganja-firearm-owning-pot-fans-face-a-choice
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/my-guns-or-my-ganja-firearm-owning-pot-fans-face-n837631
https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/04/politics/marijuana-legalization-by-the-numbers/index.html
http://www.businessinsider.com/where-can-you-can-legally-smoke-weed-2018-1
https://www.vox.com/cards/marijuana-legalization/where-is-marijuana-legal
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/cannabis/marijuana-patients-guns-should-buy-soon-20180118.html
Laws laws and more laws. No wonder we have 15% the population of China and 200% the prison population!
Been so busy, and I hate to say that. Things don't slow down for me. On my way to Belfast Ireland Wednesday then off to Prague for the month of July. Just published an ebook on my blog to help support the travels.
Hope you have been well! -Dan
Very interesting article, times are changing. Cheers mike
Meanwhile, you're allowed to get absolutely hammered at the bar and then go home to your guns...
This patchwork of laws is going to end up in a major train wreck. The feds, at any minute, COULD decide to just invade a given state (my little home state of Maine, population 1.3 million being the likeliest candidate) and begin rounding up pot smokers who are legal under state law. This whole situation is fraught with danger for the so-called "rule of law" and the entire relationship between the feds and the states.
You know what, though? That there are competing laws strengthens the case against the feds. Any state law passed that challenges the federal prohibition on marijuana ultimately weakens their control on that area of law. The federal courts will, of course, assert otherwise, but now those states have a vested interest in challenging federal jurisdiction. This is good. It might be messy, but this is good. When was the last time states had a vested interest in challenge federal jurisdiction where the feds claim to have complete control of the field?
A cannabis in the mouth and a gun in the hand make a man kill his fellow man.
simple
It's a laughable catch 22 that will hopefully disappear as pro-cannabis sentiment spreads. The Texas gop is looking keen on cannabis legislation, so that's got to be a positive for the ganja and guns mix...
You can't do any of these in my country, I would like to collect some AK 47, M4A4
muy interesante el articulo,gracias por compartirlo, soy nueva en esta familia espero contar con su aporte y orientacion ya que todo inicio no es facil,lo invito a visitar mi blog,un gran saludo desde venezuela,pais con una crisis fuerte fuerte no se puede vivir por la hiperinflacion,que pase buen dia
Trying to pick on a little ones first is a bully tactic.
Those addicted to cannabis will easily choose cannabis over fire arms. They are already mellow, easy going people, so just shake a big enough stick at them and most will comply.
(addiction in this context is not to the plant, it is usually to the escape)
Further, getting guns out of the hands of the population is priority number one with those who run/own the govern-cement. And they will never stop pushing. Control is what they want, ultimate control.
hi @doitvoluntarily nice postv
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