Brady Owens

Dear Members of the Committee, I strongly support HB 1446, which ensures that qualified patients' therapeutic use of cannabis does not disqualify them from exercising their firearm rights under state law.New Hampshire's Therapeutic Cannabis Program (RSA 126-X) allows certified patients to use cannabis for legitimate medical purposes, yet federal overreach currently threatens to strip these law-abiding Granite Staters of their Second Amendment rights simply for complying with state law. This bill protects qualified patients from losing their ability to purchase, possess, or own firearms, aligning state protections with our tradition of liberty.In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), the Supreme Court held that firearm regulations must be consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. There is no historical analogue from the Founding era—or any relevant period—for broadly disarming individuals based on their consumption of substances like alcohol or cannabis when they are not intoxicated or acting dangerously. Historical restrictions focused on intoxication at the time of carrying or use, not mere consumption or medical treatment.New Hampshire's Constitution (Part I, Article 2-a) guarantees the right to keep and bear arms in defense of self, family, property, and the state. HB 1446 upholds this by preventing unnecessary disqualification of responsible therapeutic cannabis patients.I urge you to vote in favor of HB 1446 to safeguard constitutional rights and state sovereignty. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Brady Owens