Colorado Group Advocates For Concealed Carry Rights For Cannabis Users: Proposal Is Being Evaluated

Guns for Everyone, a pro-gun rights organization, is working on an initiative to be put on the ballot next year, which would allow marijuana users to obtain concealed carry permits for guns in Colorado. On Tuesday, the proposal will be heard before the state’s Legislative Council Staff, reported Denver 7.

For Edgar Antillon, co-founder of Guns for Everyone this is the question of freedom. "It's one of those silly things that has been going on for a while. We've legalized marijuana, but we don't give [users] the ability to defend themselves," Antillon told the outlet. "Alcohol users get to defend themselves. Why not marijuana users?"

Under the current law in Centennial State, sheriffs can’t issue a permit to carry to an individual who is not eligible under federal law. Considering that cannabis is still classified as a controlled substance under the federal law that makes marijuana users ineligible for a permit to carry a gun.

So, what is Guns for Everyone proposing with its ballot initiative? 

The proposed initiative would amend Colorado law to stipulate that "a sheriff shall not use a permit applicant's lawful use of marijuana pursuant to section 14 or 16 of article XVIII of the state constitution as a basis for denying the applicant a permit."

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If the LCS hearing determines that the wording of the proposed law change is clear and reasonable, then it needs to be accepted and titled by the Secretary of State’s Office. After that, it is up to Guns for Everyone to gather about 125,000 signatures in six months, in order to place the initiative on the ballot. 

"We want this to be treated equally as people who consume alcohol," Antillon said. "People who consume alcohol are able to buy guns and are able to get their permits. But at the same time, legally, they cannot be under the influence of alcohol while possessing a firearm. And pot users kind of want the same thing."

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Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Alesia Kozik and Pixabay via Pexels