Why can’t my friend on medical marijuana for his PTSD buy a firearm?

2021-03-31T03:31:13-04:00

So it appears that on the ATF application for a firearm there’s a question 11E that asks if you’re taking illegal substances. Marijuana is still Federally illegal. So why would a substance, which helps him from going crazy, keep him from the ability to defend himself?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2021 3:51 AM

2021-03-31T03:51:03-04:00

Question 11E says "Are you and unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, arctic drug, or and other controlled substance

Weed impairs judgement and different people can have different reactions to it. That's why the Feds so no even though it is considered legal now.

This is also a back door way for the powers that be to implement gun control. Bet you're buddy didn't know about that when he got medical weed. That's the idea, once you start on it regardless if it is legal or not, you surrender your gun rights without knowing

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2021 5:07 AM

2021-03-31T05:07:34-04:00

Because it's still illegal federally, until that changes it's a no go for the purchase of firearms even if he has a medical marijuana card and is prescribed marijuana by a doctor in a State where it's legal.

I'd also go with it being an anti-2A policy but you won't get them to admit that.

As messed up as the situation is your guy has a choice, pill up with the VA and still be allowed a gun. Or medicate with marijuana and not be on a bunch of pills with no gun rights.

It's not fair but that's the ATF where rules are made up when they feel like it.

Response by Col Jim Harmon made Mar 31 at 2021 6:58 AM

2021-03-31T06:58:21-04:00

You may have answered your own question. You said the marijuana "keeps him from going crazy".

There are many types and levels of PTSD. Your friends PTSD may be serious enough to warrant the restraint. I don't know him, but your statement tends to make me think he has a more severe variant of PTSD.

Stay with him. Keep in touch as much as possible and be there for him when he needs you. Right now he may need the weed more than he a needs a gun. That can change over time as he learns to process his trauma. Best of luck!

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made Mar 31 at 2021 7:12 AM

2021-03-31T07:12:20-04:00

It is a felony to lie on the 4473...

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2021 9:14 AM

2021-03-31T09:14:08-04:00

Outside of current law, I would ask Chris Kyle's widow. Kyle was shot to death by a vet with PTSD while he was trying to help him cope with the PTSD at a gun range.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Mar 31 at 2021 9:33 AM

2021-03-31T09:33:20-04:00

Apparently federal law supersede any state statute even when a person is medically prescribed it. As a clinician it makes no sense to me.
Rich

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 31 at 2021 10:32 AM

2021-03-31T10:32:18-04:00

That is a question for your Congressman, not for us.

Seriously, us here will have opinions, but that is all they are - opinions. As long as MJ remains a Schedule 1 drug, the federal agencies are required to treat it like a Schedule 1 drug.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 31 at 2021 1:36 PM

2021-03-31T13:36:52-04:00

He is diagnosed to have a mental disorder, PTS D

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2021 1:46 PM

2021-03-31T13:46:48-04:00

Because it's still federally illegal. If you want it federally legalized, contact your representatives and senators. Push for legalization. Until that changes, it doesn't matter the benefits of it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2021 2:13 PM

2021-03-31T14:13:56-04:00

Because... it's federally illegal and he's filling out a federal form. I mean that's your answer. As for the logic, we all know the feds don't use logic most times.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Mar 31 at 2021 2:19 PM

2021-03-31T14:19:58-04:00

Oklahoma doesn't bar them from owning a gun or carrying one. Although you can't purchase one from a licensed dealer you can buy one from a friend or someone wanting to sell his. No gun sold by a dealer is registered an FFL dealer just runs a background check on you. Buying a gun from any other source IE friend, anybody selling one doesn't have to go thru a licensed dealer.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2021 3:16 PM

2021-03-31T15:16:52-04:00

You literally answered your own question

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 31 at 2021 3:45 PM

2021-03-31T15:45:36-04:00

Because he is breaking the law, 1st of all. 2nd of all, why not allow a drunkard to conceal carry? Because their judgement is flawed.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 31 at 2021 4:53 PM

2021-03-31T16:53:32-04:00

Background checks for firearm purchases are federally mandated.

Marijuana is illegal per federal law.

That’s why.

Response by SGT Gregory Cole made Mar 31 at 2021 6:40 PM

2021-03-31T18:40:53-04:00

Is asks if you are an illegal user. If your friend has a prescription from an actual doctor then i do not believe they are an unlawful user. Now if they go to johnny behind the sunoco for a dime bag thats a different story.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 31 at 2021 10:53 PM

2021-03-31T22:53:56-04:00

If it helps keep him from going crazy, that might be your answer. I am doubtful you meant this so literal, but medical personal and the anti-gun generally will take something like your statement literal until proven otherwise. Somethings are what they are and I will never be able to consume marijuana as long as I administer controlled substances regardless of the federal laws. I cannot be an alcoholic either.

Response by LTC Charles "Pappy" Patchin made Jun 23 at 2021 10:14 PM

2021-06-23T22:14:39-04:00

Because the federal government does not recognize "medical marijuana" That is a state designation. Federal regulations prohibit those with "unlawful" drug addictions from possessing firearms, legally. Should your friend require a firearm, the friend should move to a state that allows firearm possession without completion of ATF Form 4473. (There are now 3 boxes to check for gender, so at least the feds are identifying more things as possible. Maybe drugs will be next!)

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Aug 25 at 2021 6:54 AM

2021-08-25T06:54:03-04:00

Might be because some people who smoke marijuana are lucky if they can tie their shoes,