Can Medical Marijuana Patients in Oklahoma Possess Firearms?
Possession of medical marijuana cards and firearms at the same time has been a controversial topic. People are confused about whether they can keep both or not. The muddle arises from the fact that federal and state laws do not agree on one stance.
Many states have legalized medical cannabis. Some have also allowed recreational marijuana. At the same time, the federal government does not see eye to eye with them. This dispute has led to Oklahomans residents highly skeptical.
Being an Oklahoma resident and possessing a medical marijuana license can cause such puzzlement. So are you going through the same situation? Do you want to know whether you can keep a firearm or not?
If yes, then keep reading the article. This article will give a comprehensive answer to your question.
What Does Federal Law Say?
Federal law has a different view than Oklahoma and most other states. Mary Jane is still considered a Schedule I substance by the federal government. So what does it mean?
When a drug is kept in the schedule I list, it means its usance, whether medical or recreational, is prohibited. Therefore, we will have to see the perks of possessing firearms in the same view.
A person who keeps or consumes schedule I drug has no right to own a firearm. If they are caught possessing or using a firearm, the law will take action. The same stands for marijuana possession and firearm keeping. You cannot have both at the same time.
Medical Marijuana Patients in Oklahoma and Firearms Possession
In 2018, the State of Oklahoma allowed the possession and usance of medical cannabis. The piece of news was exciting. However, it brought some confusion. People who wanted to own a medical marijuana certificate and had a firearm license were disoriented. They did not know if they could own both or not.
However, soon the confusion was cleared. Oklahoma Legislature came up with an answer in 2019 and the Unity Bill, which became law on March 14, 2019. It states:
“A medical marijuana patient or caregiver licensee shall not be denied the right to own, purchase or possess a firearm, ammunition, or firearm accessories based solely on his or her status as a medical marijuana patient or caregiver licensee.”
So, if you have a medical marijuana or caregiver license, it does not mean you cannot possess a gun. Both licenses under the medical marijuana program and Self-Defense Act work independently.
Can You Carry Gun in a Dispensary?
The second question that might pop up in a patient’s or caregiver’s mind is whether they can bring a firearm to a dispensary. However, the law has not specified anything regarding this issue.
It is safe to consider that you can take a gun there if your intention is not corrupted. Bringing arsenal to a dispensary is not a big issue.
Final Words
The introduction of medical marijuana cards has given birth to confusion. Many people are perplexed about firearm possession. As federal law still views cannabis as a prohibited substance, marijuana possessors cannot keep a firearm. However, in Oklahoma, a person with medical marijuana license is free to keep a gun.
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