Medical Marijuana patients in Okla. to be allowed to own, purchase firearms

Local opinions split on contested issue

Zachary Dodge by Zachary Dodge

Copyright 2019 by KOAMNewsNow KOAM. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Rob Chubb, Owner of On Target Guns, Bows and Range:”If you’re doing medical marijuana, or recreational marijuana, you cannot buy a firearm.”

That’s been the case since State Question 788 legalized medical marijuana in Oklahoma last year.

But it will soon change because of a bill signed by Governor Kevin Stitt.

Bob Brogdon, Owner, GB Herbal Wellness Dispensary:”Show’s he’s got more sense than we’ve seen in the last few governors maybe.”

Signed on April 15th, House Bill 2612 says someone who uses medical marijuana can’t be denied by state or local agencies the right to own, purchase or possess a firearm just because they’re a medical marijuana patient.

And some say, it’s a step in the right direction.

Brogdon:”I personally don’t use the stuff.. I don’t need it per se at this point. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a license, and that doesn’t mean I may not want to carry a gun. But, that’s my right to chose what I want to do.”

But, the owner of a local gun shop disagrees, saying, if you have a medical marijuana card, you shouldn’t be able to own any kind of firearm.

Chubb:”It breaks down to this.. that medical marijuana, it can alter your mind, or your thinking. So as a gun owner myself, ya know, not even having a gun store, I wouldn’t want people around like that, ya know, not just around me. My kids, my grandkids.”

Chubb also thinks it will become dangerous once permitless carry takes effect in the state on November 1st.

Chubb:”I’ve personally seen it alter people’s minds. Back in the 60’s and 70’s, there was people jumping off of buildings, thinking they could fly.. so nah.. that’s a whole nother world right there.”

But advocates say that fear is unfounded.

Brogdon:”People that take a lot of THC aren’t gonna care about going out and shooting a gun anywhere. They’re just gonna sit back and relax, chill out and not do anything. You mean to tell me it’s okay for someone to have oxycontin, or opium drugs.. and it’s okay to have a weapon and you have those. So, why would that be okay, and not marijuana?”

The bill is set to go into effect 90 days after the current legislative session adjourns, which will end by May 31st.

It’s still a federal offense to possess cannabis and a gun at the same time.

According to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, more than *106* thousand patients have applied for medical marijuana cards in the state.

COPYRIGHT 2020 BY KOAM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.