Oregon High Court oks concealed weapons for pot patients

Medical marijuana users in Oregon can no longer be denied concealed handgun licenses. That's the upshot of a ruling Thursday from the Oregon Supreme Court.

The decision comes as state lawmakers debate whether to put more scrutiny on the medical marijuana program.

The Oregon Supreme Court upheld rulings by lower courts that require county sheriffs to issue concealed handgun permits to medical marijuana patients.

The court ruled unanimously that nothing in the state's concealed handgun law prevents medical pot users from getting a permit.

Attorney Leland Berger successfully argued the case on behalf of four medical marijuana users. They were turned down for a concealed weapons permit.

Leland Berger: "It's unfortunate that we have to go to court to get law enforcement to comply with the law."

Separately, Oregon lawmakers are taking up a measure that would raise the standard for doctors to recommend pot for their patients.

The bill would also turn over a database of medical marijuana growers to the Oregon State Police.

Cannabis activists say the proposal raises privacy concerns for the roughly 40,000 medical marijuana card holders in Oregon.

(Published by OPB - May 19, 2011)