Drugs and weapons

[bcubed]

SWIM has begun long-distance motorcycle touring. He's having a great time and plans to continue.

The problem is this: he usually stays in a state/nat'l park ('cause he loves the outdoors and is broke). Especially when he has to camp alone, he feels vulnerable, as he's in a situation where it's obvious to anyone that he's alone, and quite often lacks cell service. Yes, he tries to hide as best as possible, but often feels uneasy.

Because of this, he'd like to acquire a handgun for protection (yes, he lives in the U.S.) The problem is, that while hardly Tommy Chong, he does partake of the occasional illegal substance. SWIM seems to recall that it doesn't matter if all he's holding is 1/2 joint, if he possesses a gun and drugs simultaneously, he's treated as if he were a uzi-toting crack dealer. True? Applies to firearms only or things like knives, too? (Almost impossible to camp w/o a Swiss-army-type knife).