Pubdate: Fri, 14 Jun 2013
Source: Cibola County Beacon (NM)
Copyright: 2013 Lincoln County News
Contact:  http://www.cibolabeacon.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3568
Author: Patrice Brazie

STATE'S CANNABIS PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW

The State of New Mexico's Medical Cannabis Program (MCP) was started 
in 2007 to provide patients suffering from certain specific health 
issues another option for treating the effects of those health 
conditions and the adverse effects of pharmaceutical treatments.

Being only the 12th state to pass legislation approving the use of 
medical marijuana, there was much initial skepticism regarding the 
program, yet it continues to grow. As of April 30, it had served 
9,090 patients across the state.

The program is administered by the state Department of Health in 
accordance with the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. Patients 
with qualifying medical conditions must apply for a license from the 
state to purchase, possess, and use the herb. Among the health 
conditions for which the use of cannabis has been approved are: 
cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage 
and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients with other 
medical conditions or issues may petition the state for approval of 
cannabis use for conditions or diseases not yet on the approved list.

The state's Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, consisting of eight 
board-certified medical practitioners, is responsible for reviewing 
petitions from patients and recommending to the Health Department the 
addition of conditions or diseases for which cannabis use has been 
found to be beneficial.

In addition to the licensure requirements for participation in the 
program, the state also issues licenses to qualified patients who, 
under conditions acceptable by the state, are able and interested in 
growing the herb themselves for personal use only. The state also 
regulates medical cannabis production by licensed growers producing 
the herb for distribution to program participants.

Understanding the complex system of regulation, distribution, 
acquisition and use of cannabis for medical purposes is challenging, 
especially for those who are seriously ill or disabled and with few 
financial resources.

The program's unofficial encouragement to participating patients 
regarding a perceived need to maintain an element of secrecy for 
safety and security reasons leaves many unwilling to openly talk 
about their cannabis use.

The ongoing stigma in some segments of American society attached to 
cannabis use also has deterred patients from openly acknowledging 
participation in the program.

- - Lincoln County News, by Patrice Brazie
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom