Oftentimes in the Legislative Branch, lawmakers will introduce bills on the anniversary of an important day related to the bill’s text, and they might give it a funny or relatable acronym so that people will remember it. However, Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) might have outdone himself with this one.
On April 20th (4/20), Rep. Mast introduced the Gun Rights and Marijuana (GRAM) Act.
The GRAM Act looks to “end the prohibition of gun sales to users of cannabis in states where medical or recreational use is permitted.”
Federal law currently provides road barriers to those looking to purchase a firearm if they are a regular user of marijuana, even in states where it is legal.
The GRAM Act would “carve out” marijuana from the controlled substances list in the instance of the purchase of a gun.
“No one should be forced to choose between their rights: you have a right to bear arms, and in many states, you have a right to use cannabis,” said Rep. Mast. “Congress needs to legislate based on reality, and the reality is that those who legally use marijuana are being treated as second-class citizens. That’s not acceptable. Government exists to protect the rights of the people, and that’s what this bill does.”
Mast, who served in the U.S. Army for 12 years, spoke on the notion that some veterans have to choose between marijuana as a treatment option and having the ability to own a firearm.
“Addressing this issue is of particular importance to the veteran community,” Rep. Mast continued. “No veteran that I know wants to be forced to choose between a viable treatment option for conditions like PTSD, and the ability to protect themselves and their families. The GRAM Act is about ensuring no one has to make that choice.”
According to the Mast press release, 60% of veterans have used medical cannabis as a substitute for alcohol, and 50% use it as a substitute for prescription medication.
