Now that medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, there could be current concealed carry license holders will use it and have it.
Marijuana is still illegal federally. The ATF prohibits medical marijuana users from possession a gun.
Nathan House of Arkansas Armory says because of conflicting state and federal law, it’s unclear if those in the state possessing medical marijuana can have a concealed carry license.
"There’s some sections written into the Arkansas concealed carry statutes that seem to indicate a license could be taken so it is important to know how a prosecutors going to handle it, how an individual sheriff’s agency is going to handle it," House said.
The Faulkner, Saline and Pulaski County Sheriffs Offices told Channel 7 News it’s unclear at this point how they’d handle a traffic stop with a legally possessed handgun and medical marijuana.
A spokesperson for the Arkansas State Police, the agency in charge of concealed carry licenses, says they’re monitoring the upcoming legislative session.
So far, no lawmaker has filed a bill to address it.
While Arkansas Armory says they won’t be selling firearms to medical marijuana users, House says it remains to be seen what’s going to happen with concealed carry and medical marijuana.
"It’s probably going to have to come from the top law enforcement officer in the state, our Attorney General," House said.
A spokesman for the Attorney General’s office told Channel 7 News that they issue opinions when asked and no one has asked for an opinion.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Law Enforcement Unsure About Medical Marijuana And Concealed Carry Licenses
Author: Elicia Dover
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Website: KATV
