As I understand it thier is a separate definition here. To own and use a laser above 1mw is indeed covered in most states by your membership to an Astro society.
However the importing of and selling of these said lasers fall into a separate area of the law. This is why thier is an application process for this and not one to use a laser. The fact that as a member I am able to use one for astronomy, I am in no way allowed to sell or import these items..
Might pay to have a look at this as the law is tough on this, as silly as most of us think it is. Do you think if I used one in my plane it would cause cars to crash? LOL
buy in lots, sell them fast and shut the door....
Mardy