A question for reddit's republicans: The Marijuana debate - where do you stand and why?

First of all, just to let you know a bit about me: (feel free to skip this)

I refuse to assign any general "party" name to myself. On many issues I lean heavily libertarian, on a few issues I fall republican and on a few I fall democrat: I'd describe myself as fiscally conservative, but socially liberal. I feel that most people fall into a variety of different political categories. I basically try to take each politician based on their words and actions, issue by issue; not by their party designation. I know I may be falling into some stereotypes with this description, but that's OK.

The most recent gallup poll shows that 50% (of those polled) of Americans are in favor of marijuana legalization and regulation. Only 46% were opposed. In this same poll, it was found that only 35% of those who identified themselves as republican supported legalization. I was a bit surprised at how low this number was, so I wanted to point out a few issues where I feel republicans and legalization supporters should get along quite well. Then I'd like to get your opinions on this issue to see where you stand. I assume that by nature of reddit's demographics, we'd see slightly higher support for this issue (no pun intended I swear).

States Rights and Gun rights - both issues close to the heart of many republicans (and myself). These issues have recently come to the forefront of the marijuana debate.

ATF recently sent a memo to all licensed gun dealers in states with medical marijuana laws, clarifying a previous question on gun ownership applications regarding "marijuana addiction". The memo declares that anyone with a state approved medical marijuana license or doctors recommendation cannot legally own a firearm. This memo puts the burden on dealers to refuse sales to any person they know to be a licensed medical marijuana patient:

“Any person who uses or is addicted to marijuana, regardless of whether his or her state has passed legislation authorizing marijuana use for medicinal purposes, is an unlawful user of, or addicted to a controlled substance, and is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition… There are no exceptions in federal law for marijuana purportedly used for medicinal purposes, even if such use is sanctioned by state law.”

This is a gross violation of the second amendment rights of nearly one million legally licensed medical marijuana patients in the 16 states (plus Washington D.C.) that have implemented legally approved medical marijuana. This would be the same as trying to say anyone who is legally prescribed percocet by their doctor isn't allowed to own a firearm. This is also a slap in the face to these 16 states. It calls into question the right of states to determine how to govern and legislate themselves according to the constitution.

What do you think about these issues?

-Medical Marijuana : Should doctor's be able to prescribe marijuana to sick patients who live healthier more comfortable lives (what's left of them anyway)

-States rights : Do states have the right to regulate and/or tax the sale of medical marijuana? Do they have the right to legalize general adult sales of marijuana if the people of the state vote for it? (this may happen in 2012 - maybe even in more than one state)

-2nd Amendment : Do medical marijuana patients deserve the protection of the 2nd amendment?