Pubdate: Wed, 28 Oct 2015 Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM) Copyright: 2015 Albuquerque Journal Contact: http://www.abqjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10 MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS AT 18,000 SANTA FE - New Mexico Health Secretary Retta Ward says New Mexico has seen a significant jump in the number of patients participating in the state's medical marijuana program over the past year. Ward testified Tuesday before the Legislative Finance Committee in Santa Fe. She told lawmakers about 18,000 people are enrolled in the program, an increase of about 7,000 since the beginning of the year. Ward attributed the increase to changes made earlier this year. There are currently more than 20 qualifying conditions, including chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder. The state has been petitioned to add attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to the list. That petition will be discussed during a public meeting later this week. The state also is in the process of licensing a dozen more nonprofit producers. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom