Concealed Weapon in Lousiana and History of Depression

Question
I recently purchased a new firearm and have been evaluating the steps necessary to move forward with getting my concealed weapons permit for the State Of Louisiana (where I currently reside) but have been wary about trying to apply due to my medical history and having been treated for depression a couple of years back.

I was prescribed Lexapro for my condition and actually stopped taking the drug almost two years ago now, and have felt fine and happy to be alive since then.

I want to be truthful and thorough in the application process, but I would not like to end up wasting my time and money on the classes required for training, the finger printing process, photographs, etc. and wind up being denied for a medical condition I was treated for in my past that is no longer afflicting me.

Any knowledge, help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ryan

Answer
Ryan,

You should not be hesitant to apply for your Louisiana Concealed Weapons Permit.  There is nothing in the medical history that you described that should cause you a problem.  The prohibition on drug use is only for either illegally obtained drugs or controlled substances.  Prescription medications prescribed by a physician are not an issue.

Similarly, for any mental health condition to prohibit you from carrying a firearm, you would have had to be committed to a mental institution by the order of a court.

Take your class and get your permit.  You should not have any legal issues at all.

Best regards,

Doug



Ryan,

Subsequent to answering your question I received a note from the Louisiana State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Unit stating that my assertions above were incorrect.

In the most recent version of the Law and Rules document posted on the Louisiana State Police website, it states in part under Section 1307, Subsection C, Paragraph 3. that a citizen applying for a Concealed Handgun permit can:

"not suffer from a mental or physical infirmity due to disease, illness, or retardation, which prevents the safe handling of a handgun and shall submit a medical clearance form completed by the treating physician".

and under Paragraph 10. "not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, depressants, stimulants, or narcotic drugs;"

Based on the fact that you stated that they were under a physician's care while taking the depressants, I did not consider you to be an 'unlawful user' of depressants.

Many states do not consider depression to be a 'mental infirmity due to disease or illness' and that was the basis for my answer to you above.  Based on the communication I received, that is apparently not the case in Louisiana.  

I would suggest that you contact the Louisiana State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Unit or an attorney licensed to practice law in Louisiana to get specific answers to your questions before moving forward on your application for a Concealed Handgun Permit.

Sorry for the confusion.  I sincerely hope that I have not caused you any inconvenience.

Best regards,

Doug