Arizona recently legalized the regulated use of medical marijuana in the state. But Arizona and other states that allow the medical use of the otherwise illegal drug have been faced with legal obstacle after legal confusion related to legalization. It can make a person feel like they could be charged with a drug crime by simply following what they think are state laws.

Arizona residents and residents of other states with medical marijuana laws are so confused because of the difference between federal and state laws. Federal officials still basically consider marijuana illegal; it's individual states, like Arizona, that have taken the initiative to allow those with credible medical reasons to use the drug. Straying from federal law has created legal hurdles.

According to news reports, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agency has issued a letter to gun dealers with some surprising news. Apparently, those who legally use medical marijuana lose their rights to buy a firearm. The ATF prohibits gun dealers from selling firearms to anyone who has a medical marijuana card or who identifies themselves as marijuana users.

Resources do not specify exactly what this legal limit means for medical marijuana users who already own guns, but it isn't hard to imagine that authorities against legalization would soon target legal users for gun-law related reasons. That's for the future to tell.

Waiting for a future with clear medical marijuana and gun laws, however, isn't a convenience that everyone can afford. Those who are sick and using marijuana in what they think is a legal manner could easily find their behaviors being questioned by authorities. To protect their rights and futures, relying on the experience of a lawyer is critical.

Source

Fox News: "ATF Tells Bun Dealers They Can't Sell to Medical Marijuana Patients," Sep. 30, 2011