Libertarian gubernatorial runoff candidate Chris Powell announced if elected, he would stop the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation from taking the gun rights of Oklahomans who legally use medical marijuana. The OSBI recently announced it would prohibit medical marijuana users from obtaining a handgun carry permit, enforcing federal law.
“That’s not going to happen on my watch. I’ll order the OSBI and all other state agencies to adhere to state law rather than federal law, not just in this instance but also when there is any other appearance of conflict between the two,” said Powell.
Powell’s stance echos that of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association (OK2A).**
“No person in legal possession of a prescription drug should be denied their Second Amendment right to the peaceful possession or ownership of a firearm or be denied a license to carry a handgun under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act unless previously arrested for any violation of the Self Defense Act,” said OK2A’s Don Spencer.
Powell has been a long-time advocate for legalizing cannabis. He added he would not have vetoed Senate Bill 1212 which would have legalized carrying handguns without a permit for Oklahoma citizens, commonly referred to as Constitutional Carry.
Powell is facing Rex Lawhorn for the Libertarian nomination in the governor’s race on August 28.
**Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story indicated Powell’s stance garnered the support of OK2A. The organization’s leader actually made the statement before Powell issued the press release. We thank the Powell Campaign for bringing this to our attention.
It should be noted that Don Spencer of OK2A made his comments previously and independently.