Defending the right to medicate... and defend yourself.

You no longer have to choose.

On Thursday March 7th 2019 the Maryland Senate voted 46-0 on SB0097 that states "A person may not be denied the right to purchase, possess, or carry a firearm under this title solely on the basis that the person is authorized to use medical cannabis..."

When purchasing a firearm, Form 4473 of the long required federal background check includes Question 11E which asks "Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, or narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?" And it even goes on to state “Warning: The use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law, regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside.”

While Maryland's SB0097 doesn't change federal laws or requirements(if signed into law), a person that purchased a gun prior to their medical marijuana card could go on to applying for and obtaining their Maryland Permit to Carry a Handgun- as they should.

All too often during the HQL and MD Wear & Carry training courses I conduct- we come to the part of the MD Law Section on marijuana and have had to break the news to those who legitimately use marijuana for medical purposes that they must chose between medicating themselves or defending themselves. Some are elderly, others are cancer patients. Some are victims of domestic violence still treating wounds inflicted by their past. Some of my brothers and sisters, fellow veterans that continue deal with conditions resulting from their service. All sharing the same infringement of their basic right.

This bill is not law yet. Stay tuned for updates from PTPGun.com on this and more potential from Annapolis, both good and bad. Please share on social and tag any friends/family/co-workers that this bill would help.