Associated Press - November 4, 2009 3:45 PM ET

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Should Oregon let medical marijuana users obtain concealed handgun permits?

That question was before the Oregon Court of Appeals on Wednesday.

Sheriffs from Washington and Jackson counties are seeking clarification on whether federal law prohibiting illegal drug users from possessing handguns applies to people who have permits to use marijuana for medical reasons.

Lower courts had twice ordered the two sheriffs to give weapons permits to people who had lost them because they are medical marijuana users, and the sheriffs appealed those rulings.

A Portland lawyer argued in court Wednesday that under Oregon law medical marijuana users cannot be deprived of the right to a concealed handgun permit.

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