Do you need to undergo drug testing for a CCW?

[1911sup420]

Hello all!

I've been lurking for a while and finally decided to register! I live in the great state of Tx and I am very much interested in getting a CCW for when I have to travel through some bad parts of town, which is why I've been lurking. Just the other night, I was having a discussion about CCW and my friend asked me if you had to undergo drug testing. I have no idea. Do you?

I would imagine they wouldn't give out CCW licenses to people with ill vision or other intoxicants in the system, but if you take a course how does that work?

What are your thoughts on this matter? Should people be forced to undergo drug testing to obtain a CCW license?

Thanks in advance!

 

[JImbothefiveth]

I think they should, but then again I don't use illegal drugs.
Besides, drugs and guns don't mix well.

 

[JCMAG]

No. I don't think you have to anywhere. But perhaps that is just wishful thinking.

I don't advocate the illegal use of narcotics, but I do advocate the government leaving me and mine be. None of their business.

 

[JohnKSa]

The correct answer is:

Illegal drug use definitely disqualifies you from not only getting a CHL but also from purchasing a handgun. So if you're an illegal drug user don't even bother applying.​

 

[makarovnik]

What about legal drugs for chronic pain like vicodin or alcohol? How about medical marijuana. It's all about reducing pain for better performance.

 

[1911sup420]

But you don't have to get tested, right?

 

[JohnKSa]

But you don't have to get tested, right?

That is ABSOLUTELY the wrong question to ask given the answer I provided.

What about legal drugs for chronic pain like vicodin or alcohol? How about medical marijuana.

There is no legal "medical marijuana" in TX. Legal drug use is an issue if it causes impairment.

 

[FlyinBryan]

which drugs would you be worried about testing positive for?

 

[1911sup420]

None. My job situation does not allow me to do any illegal drugs.

 

[JohnKSa]

My job situation does not allow me to do any illegal drugs.

Well thank goodness for your job!

Some people, crazy as it may seem, actually feel that the law is what prevents them from doing illegal drugs.

 

[NonConformist]

I hope not, the 2A is infringed on enough w/o that BS too!

 

[jahwarrior]

i've never heard of any state that requires a drug screening to get a permit/license to carry. and they shouldn't, quite frankly. they don't require it to get a driver's license, and that's not a protected right, like carrying a firearm.

 

[jbauch357]

morally - drug use (regardless of legal or not) has nothing to do with if you're fit to carry a pistol or not.

legally - asking if you use illegal drugs is part of the screening process during application for CCW and pistol purchases - but there is no actual chemical testing.

the people that say anybody that uses illegal drugs shouldn't own/carry guns need to get over themselves and realize there are thousands upon thousands of responsible drug users around the world - that don't let their use get in the way of life, family, work or responsible gun ownership.

/end rant

 

[ilbob]

I have had to piss in a jar 4 or 5 times for work. No big deal to me.

I would be only moderately offended if a state got rid of the fingerprint requirements and substituted a drug test in its place.

Never did understand the fingerprint thing.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

has nothing to do with if you're fit to carry a pistol or not.

Not true, carrying while under the influence of drugs can get people killed.

Even with alchohol, you shouldn't drink while you are carrying

 

[jbauch357]

Not true, carrying while under the influence of drugs can get people killed.

Even with alchohol, you shouldn't drink while you are carrying

carrying at all can get people killed...

just because a person uses drugs that may stay in their blood stream for months at a time doens't mean they are going to be shooting/carrying while on drugs.

I'm not saying people should go out, get high on acid and then head to the range - don't get me wrong... but just because somebody likes to smoke pot, or eat mushrooms, or snort coke doesn't mean they aren't fit to be a gun owner...

 

[JImbothefiveth]

carrying at all can get people killed...

just because a person uses drugs that may stay in their blood stream for months at a time doens't mean they are going to be shooting/carrying while on drugs.

I'm not saying people should go out, get high on acid and then head to the range - don't get me wrong... but just because somebody likes to smoke pot, or eat mushrooms, or snort coke doesn't mean they aren't fit to be a gun owner...

I'm not sure how it affects their behavior even if they havn't done them recently(I'd especially like to hear some input on this from LEOs.), but I think if they do that sort of thing there's also a higher likelyhood they will be involved in some "questionable" crowds.

Of course, if he were involved with those, he might not be trying to get his CCW in the first place.

Nonetheless, I think discussing illegal behavior is grounds for getting threads locked here.


And don't eat any poppy seed bagles before you test!

 

[Aguila Blanca]

The 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States doesn't make any provision for drug testing.

Next question?

 

[1911sup420]

^^^^^^^^^^ Ah, that's what I needed to know. Thank you!

Yeah, handling guns while on acid is a terrible terrible TERRIBLE idea. But airsoft guns are a whole other story (Just pulling your leg)

 

[AK103K]

If they randomly can test you for drugs, then alcohol should be included in the screen, and any trace at any time gets treated the same as any illegal drug.

The "authorities", and I mean ALL of them, should be checked daily as part of their job requirements, and held to the standard above.

The law is the law, and they should be held to a higher standard if they enforce it.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

The "authorities", and I mean ALL of them, should be checked daily as part of their job requirements, and held to the standard above.

+1

If they randomly can test you for drugs, then alcohol should be included in the screen, and any trace at any time gets treated the same as any illegal drug.

Alchohol is not illegal.

Yeah, handling guns while on acid is a terrible terrible TERRIBLE idea

If you must do acid, lock that gun away safely when you do it.
You don't want to shoot anybody, or yourself.

 

[Eric F]

It's all about reducing pain for better performance.

WRONG!!!

its about reducing pain and thats it. It has nothing to do with increasing performance. With some things(naproxen asprin ect.) better performance might be acheived but thats up to the individual.

 

[ilbob]

The 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States doesn't make any provision for drug testing.

No provision for CC permits, FFLs, or instant checks either.

 

[AK103K]

Alchohol is not illegal.

Always wondered how that worked. Something that has grown wild since the giddy up is, but something distilled and created by man isnt. Hmmm, thats not a control issue, is it?

There are times that alcohol is, like when operating a vehicle. When you give up your rights and take their permit or license, then anything they say can be and will be illegal. Exceptions for the privileged aside.

 

[Eric F]

Just senseless and lack of thought

If they randomly can test you for drugs, then alcohol should be included in the screen, and any trace at any time gets treated the same as any illegal drug.

Sounds like we have a non drinker onboard. As stated alcohol is not illegal and so long as a ccw is not over the legal limit whats the big deal.

So whats going on with you that you dislike alcohol so much? BTW I knew a few comercial brewers that ccw, even sample their product for quality, should they be told they cant have a chp because of their job?

Something that has grown wild since the giddy up is, but something distilled and created by man isnt

Oh yeah alcohol has naturally existed also.