Medical Cannabis bill

[The Annoyed Man]

So how do you fill out the 4473 form when you buy a gun without breaking the law when it asks:

"Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?"

This is a federal form not state so how does it being legal at the state level matter?

Other then this I'm not going to express my opinion about marijuana users as I'm sure it would get me banned.Im sure this question will get the arm chair lawyers to post.

That is a good question, since federal law applies.

[SewTexas]

I have often thought that my father in law would have benefited from marijuana, he was in so much pain the last few years of his life and had so many pain meds that he couldn't take any more because of the reactions or they just didn't work anymore. But I knew that he wouldn't use it because it was illegal, so there was no point in even mentioning it.

[txglock21]

My dad had colon cancer for 4 years before he passed away. He did the chemo treatments up until his death. The first 3 years the chemo was doing more damage than the cancer IMO. He was in constant pain and would not eat ANYTHING. My brother finally convinced him to start eating some "special" brownies. Now it didn't cure him or anything, but at least for the last year of his life, he was in very little pain and starting eating again and actually gained some of his weight back. Even it became legal, I personally would not "do" it for three reasons, 1) Because I have my CDL and am subject to random drug test for my job. 2) Because of my CHL and ability to buy guns. 3) The most important reason, I have smoked it twice in my life, many years ago, and it did nothing for me except give me the two worse headaches I have ever had in my life. All that to say, yes, I would support it for medical reasons. YMMV

[Oldgringo]

My dad had colon cancer for 4 years before he passed away. He did the chemo treatments up until his death. The first 3 years the chemo was doing more damage than the cancer IMO. He was in constant pain and would not eat ANYTHING. My brother finally convinced him to start eating some "special" brownies. Now it didn't cure him or anything, but at least for the last year of his life, he was in very little pain and starting eating again and actually gained some of his weight back. Even it became legal, I personally would not "do" it for three reasons, 1) Because I have my CDL and am subject to random drug test for my job. 2) Because of my CHL and ability to buy guns. 3) The most important reason, I have smoked it twice in my life, many years ago, and it did nothing for me except give me the two worse headaches I have ever had in my life. All that to say, yes, I would support it for medical reasons. YMMV

The Oldgringo rests, your honor.

[The Annoyed Man]

My dad had colon cancer for 4 years before he passed away. He did the chemo treatments up until his death. The first 3 years the chemo was doing more damage than the cancer IMO. He was in constant pain and would not eat ANYTHING. My brother finally convinced him to start eating some "special" brownies. Now it didn't cure him or anything, but at least for the last year of his life, he was in very little pain and starting eating again and actually gained some of his weight back. Even it became legal, I personally would not "do" it for three reasons, 1) Because I have my CDL and am subject to random drug test for my job. 2) Because of my CHL and ability to buy guns. 3) The most important reason, I have smoked it twice in my life, many years ago, and it did nothing for me except give me the two worse headaches I have ever had in my life. All that to say, yes, I would support it for medical reasons. YMMV

And these are exactly the kinds of real medical reasons I think are legitimate medical use of marijuana. But lets be honest....... about 99% of people using it today for "medical" reasons are using excuses like "stress", "I can't cope", "my nerves", and "you're harshing my mellow by even asking, dude".

I want to be clear....... I am NOT saying it shouldn't be used for medical reasons. What I AM saying is that a majority of the time, the "reasons" are bogus. For every truly sick and dying person who finds relief from pain in the use of marijuana, there are 50 or a 100 deadbeats who are using "medical need" as an excuse to buy legal weed and get high. "Medical marijuana" in states where that's the law, has simply replaced vicodin/hydrocodone overprescription/abuse by needy "patients" who are more often than not just people who can't cope and are seeking escape from reality. I know that it only presents a partial view of the world, but just watch episodes of "Alaska State Troopers" (which I haven't actually seen in a while), or "Cops"........it is stunning how many of these losers who get investigated allegedly have medical marijuana scrips. For what? They are mostly young and pretty obviously healthy, if you discount the ill-effects on health of drug abuse.

My point is this: It should either be legalized, or not. But halfway measures like "medical marijuana" bills are just plain stupid. It's medical use (either in herbal form, or as Cannabis derivatives) within some narrow confines is already established for legitimate medical reasons in all 50 states, as recognized by the medical profession. These "medical marijuana" bills are nothing more than a naked attempt to circumvent existing law, and in so doing, they cloud the legal landscape rather than clearing it...... and that is NEVER a good thing.

My personal libertarian-leaning inclination is toward decriminalization, and I make that distinction as opposed to "legalization" very deliberately. The former says "this is no longer recognized as a crime". The latter says "we give you permission". Anytime government gives me permission, I invite it to sincerely take a long walk off of a short pier.

[txglock21]

My dad had colon cancer for 4 years before he passed away. He did the chemo treatments up until his death. The first 3 years the chemo was doing more damage than the cancer IMO. He was in constant pain and would not eat ANYTHING. My brother finally convinced him to start eating some "special" brownies. Now it didn't cure him or anything, but at least for the last year of his life, he was in very little pain and starting eating again and actually gained some of his weight back. Even it became legal, I personally would not "do" it for three reasons, 1) Because I have my CDL and am subject to random drug test for my job. 2) Because of my CHL and ability to buy guns. 3) The most important reason, I have smoked it twice in my life, many years ago, and it did nothing for me except give me the two worse headaches I have ever had in my life. All that to say, yes, I would support it for medical reasons. YMMV

And these are exactly the kinds of real medical reasons I think are legitimate medical use of marijuana. But lets be honest....... about 99% of people using it today for "medical" reasons are using excuses like "stress", "I can't cope", "my nerves", and "you're harshing my mellow by even asking, dude".

I want to be clear....... I am NOT saying it shouldn't be used for medical reasons. What I AM saying is that a majority of the time, the "reasons" are bogus. For every truly sick and dying person who finds relief from pain in the use of marijuana, there are 50 or a 100 deadbeats who are using "medical need" as an excuse to buy legal weed and get high. "Medical marijuana" in states where that's the law, has simply replaced vicodin/hydrocodone overprescription/abuse by needy "patients" who are more often than not just people who can't cope and are seeking escape from reality. I know that it only presents a partial view of the world, but just watch episodes of "Alaska State Troopers" (which I haven't actually seen in a while), or "Cops"........it is stunning how many of these losers who get investigated allegedly have medical marijuana scrips. For what? They are mostly young and pretty obviously healthy, if you discount the ill-effects on health of drug abuse.

My point is this: It should either be legalized, or not. But halfway measures like "medical marijuana" bills are just plain stupid. It's medical use (either in herbal form, or as Cannabis derivatives) within some narrow confines is already established for legitimate medical reasons in all 50 states, as recognized by the medical profession. These "medical marijuana" bills are nothing more than a naked attempt to circumvent existing law, and in so doing, they cloud the legal landscape rather than clearing it...... and that is NEVER a good thing.

My personal libertarian-leaning inclination is toward decriminalization, and I make that distinction as opposed to "legalization" very deliberately. The former says "this is no longer recognized as a crime". The latter says "we give you permission". Anytime government gives me permission, I invite it to sincerely take a long walk off of a short pier.

I have no problem with de-criminalizing it altogether. I'm just saying, I personally would not use it even if legal. I do believe it has many good uses more than just the obvious "getting high".

[OldCannon]

I, personally, would welcome this. I suffer from some rather infuriating nerve conditions related to the near-fatal viral encephalitis I had last August. I'm not sure if it would cure or alleviate the symptoms, but I would sure as heck be willing to try, because the current drugs I'm taking pretty much completely debilitate me :(

[rentz]

I, personally, would welcome this. I suffer from some rather infuriating nerve conditions related to the near-fatal viral encephalitis I had last August. I'm not sure if it would cure or alleviate the symptoms, but I would sure as heck be willing to try, because the current drugs I'm taking pretty much completely debilitate me :(

This is exactly why I feel it should become legal in tx for medical purposes, it can be more beneficial and less harsh than prescription narcotics. And they apparently have prescription versions designed to eliminate the "high" and give the pain dulling benefits . Which could be better than certain rx pain killers that can be harsh on the stomach, liver, kidneys and just flat out knock you out

I know if it had been legal many many years ago it would have helped my grandfather with arthritis more than his alcohol self medication. And would have helped with his glaucoma too.

[goose]

So how do you fill out the 4473 form when you buy a gun without breaking the law when it asks:

"Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?"

This is a federal form not state so how does it being legal at the state level matter?

Other then this I'm not going to express my opinion about marijuana users as I'm sure it would get me banned. Im sure this question will get the arm chair lawyers to post.

That is a good question, since federal law applies.

I will treat this the same way I treat MJ when travelling through states that allow it. Today, I don't partake of those things that can get me fired back home. If it were legal in TX, I wouldn't partake of those things that might get me in the slammer or remove my ability to own a firearm. Once it is legal federally, which will happen somewhat soon I figure, I have no idea what I might or might not do. But this very form is why I wouldn't be consuming until it were decriminalized federally. If I had medical conditions that could be alleviated by its use the waters would be murkier.

[ScottDLS]

I really think we need to talk about decriminalizing meth, MDMA (molly), and heroin. The analogues that the pharma companies put up Adderall, Prozac, Oxy, are all the same. Why do I need an MD or DO to decide which pill I take or what I snort.

It's all about feeling good and none of them are as bad as alcohol or tobacco. NYC bans smoking (tobacco), but has basically "un-enforced" marijuana. Just make sure you aren't selling singles of Marlboro's, cops may take you out (I can't breath!). I'm personally sick of this discrimination against chemicals (other than CH3CH2OH). What I put in my body while I'm packing is my business.

I have a constitutional right to "tweak". It's right there next to the Abortion clause and the Sodomy clause as discovered by SCOTUS in the 70's and 90's respectively. Tha MAN is holdin' us down. Better life though chemistry TXCHLer's

[jmra]

Two thoughts:
1. Legalize it in prescription pill form (you don't have to smoke it).
2. Even if Texas makes it legal your employers policy regarding its use may well not change.

[gemini]

Two thoughts:
1. Legalize it in prescription pill form (you don't have to smoke it).
2. Even if Texas makes it legal your employers policy regarding its use may well not change.

1. No "pills". Too easy to take more than needed. No need to involve drug companies. Problem smoking it?
ingest via brownies or cookies.
2. Good point. I don't particularly want my surgeon or surgery nurse toking up right before I enter the OR.

[TexasGal]

From a medical perspective, we have prescription drugs that are far more addictive and dangerous yet they are available by rx for conditions that warrant the risk. And yes, we have a real problem with people abusing them and lying to doctors to get them. That is still not a reason to withhold them from legitimate use by sick persons who benefit from them. Having been with my mother as she suffered to the bitter end with cancer, I would have legalized it in a half second for medical use if it would have made her suffering one molecule less than it was. I don't know how I feel about legalizing recreational use other than I fear it would dramatically add to the number of people driving impaired and possibly to the number of young people who end up in the welfare system. It is known to diminish the drive to achieve when it's abused. Yet, should a young person end up in the legal system because of some pot? I don't really agree with that either. With the obsession to create ever stronger plants, where is the line for how much is "abuse"? Personally, I never had any interest in the stuff and wouldn't even if it was legal. But if I became seriously ill, and it was a better medication that something else, I would want it to at least be an option.

[rotor]

There are two uses for narcotics, the addicts that need it for their high and those with pain, severe and chronic, cancer, etc. that must have legitimate pain relief. In the wisdom of the feds they made it almost impossible for doctors to continue to supply the legitimate users of narcotics last October ( yes I am talking about hydrocodone). So, these poor souls that struggle with unbearable pain have a difficult time getting meds courtesy of the feds. But at the same time they are relaxing prosecution of the recreational use of MJ with questionable medical value. It's okay to get high but live with the pain according to the DEA. I hope that people here are not of the feeling that they are safe using and carrying at the same time.

[winters]

They are making new forms of oxy pills and such when you crush them they no longer do anything. They have been slowly rolling out these pills for the ones that are most abused.