Pubdate: Wed, 24 Dec 2014
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2014 The Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Ivan Moreno, Associated Press

GUN PERMITS FOR POT USERS SOUGHT

Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana 
sales. Now the state's voters may consider a ballot measure to allow 
pot smokers to carry concealed firearms.

The Colorado Campaign for Equal Gun Rights is working to put a 
question on the November 2016 ballot to have Colorado ignore 
guidelines from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and 
Explosives about firearms and pot.

The measure would change state law to prevent sheriffs from denying 
concealed-carry permits because of marijuana use. It's a new frontier 
in the marijuana wars, and one that has divided gun-rights activists.

"It's just ridiculous," said Edgar Antillon, one of the campaign 
organizers, who argues that firearms aren't kept from alcohol 
drinkers. "Somebody can get extremely drunk- Saturday, Sunday, 
Monday, and all week if they want- and they can still get a concealed 
carry permit."

He said he and his campaign partner, Isaac Chase, who run a 
firearm-training business called Guns for Everyone, are reaching out 
to gun-rights groups for support, including those involved in last 
year's recall of two state senators who supported stricter firearm laws.

Colorado organizers need more than 86,100 signatures to send the 
question to voters, and it's unclear whether Antillon's campaign will 
get enough support to launch.

The campaign would put Colorado again in direct conflict with federal 
guidelines about the drug.

In 2011, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 
sent states a directive to keep guns away from marijuana users.

The matter divides gun enthusiasts. The president of the Colorado 
State Shooting Association said his members would oppose letting pot 
users carry guns.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom