I think the problem is who has the "cyanide." Zarqawi is not reasonable... his motives are not reasonable...therefore, his purpose for having the cynide is not reasonable... but threatening.
You make a good point. A bottle of Champagne is nothing but a bottle of Champagne. However, if you crack open someone's skull with it, one of the charges will involve possession and use of a weapon. Ditto a baseball bat or a carving knife, when employed in an illegal manner.