Cannabis and Firearms Question

Baron von Bud said:

You've got to decide at what level self protection is important to you. What the neighbors think is way down the list. You have got a moral right to use cannabis because that blessing was consciousness-manifested. Don't tell the neighbors anything you don't want the PD knowing. Have a legal weapon, enjoy your favorite smoke discretely and live as a free man.

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In my case, the neighbors turned me in.

It's nice to think that way but it's not always how things work out.

WhatWouldBobDo said:

Would law enforcement view an air powered 50 call weapon different than a 22?

Not arguing. Literal question.

I assumed any weapons, machete, crossbow, compound archery bow, air rifle, would be viewed similarly. My assumption could be incorrect obviously.

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ttystikk said:

These seem contradictory; if it's powerful enough to stop a home invader- possibly an armed one, how is it not a lethal weapon?

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MissinThe90’sStrains said:

It‘s the lack of a powder charge and primer means that it’s not technically a classified as a “firearm”. At least that’s how the law worked in my state when I last looked it up, to buy my air rifles to help me handle the squirrels in my garden. Yes they’re weapons and they can kill, but the law is the law, and it doesn’t always make sense.

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Thank you for explaining it for me @Missingthe90’sStrains.
The main difference is the gunpowder versus a CO2 cartridge.
By definition of law, gunpowder based weapons are considered lethal.
CO2 based weapons, in a worst case scenario, are considered “less lethal”, which means they may do harm when turned on another person, but the results won’t be fatal.
I believe it mainly comes down to the weapon’s perceived stopping power.
We’re allowed to own paintball and BB guns without applying for a license or being on a government registry.

So for now, air guns are a legal way for home growers to protect themselves, and loved ones.
Considering that a 30 joule air gun is dipping its toes into the same sort of power a .22 caliber can produce maybe the laws will be challenged and redefined in the future.
For now though, it’s jacketed .50 caliber steel ball bearings keeping me safe, and a law abiding citizen.