In a 1755 letter to the Pennsylvania General Assembly Ben Franklin wrote “those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” However, while its original context, which related to tax policy, may not apply, the words lend themselves to a conversation that lawmakers should be having. How should our country address liberty, but also safety, when it comes to firearms and cannabis?
Recently, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017allowing for individuals to receive reciprocity for state issued concealed carry permits allowing them to carry a concealed weapon in another state that permits the concealed carrying of firearms. To be eligible for a universal carry permit, the individual must be able to possess, transport or receive a firearm under federal law. For over 2 million medical cannabis patients, this creates an unworkable impasse.
