Pubdate: Thu, 17 Apr 2014
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2014 Sun-Times Media, LLC
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/5QwXAJWY
Website: http://www.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81
Author: Becky Schlikerman
Page: 8

GUN ID CARDS TO REMAIN OPEN TO MEDICAL POT USERS

A proposed rule that would have barred medical marijuana patients from
obtaining Firearm Owner's Identification cards has been nixed, The
Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

Illinois officials had posted preliminary rules for the implementation
of the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program that barred medical
marijuana users or their caregivers from obtaining a FOID card if they
were part of the pilot program.

But in rules that will be officially filed for review later this week,
that provision has been removed, sources said.

It was not immediately known if the same provision regarding Concealed
Carry Weapons Permits had also been removed.

Illinois Department of Public Health officials said the official rules
are expected to be published Friday.

But how the change in the rules impacts medical marijuana users and
their ability to legally own a gun is still murky to some, though not
to federal officials.

Under federal law, which regulates gun dealers, anyone who uses a
controlled substance, including marijuana, is prohibited from owning
or possessing a firearm or ammunition, said Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokesman Thomas Ahern.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt