SANTA FE -- A proposal to legalize the production of industrial hemp, a relative of the marijuana plant, failed in the House on Sunday amid criticism that it would be the first step in drug legalization. The measure would have allowed New Mexico farmers to grow hemp that was certified by the state Department of Agriculture, said Rep. Pauline Gubbels, R-Albuquerque. Gubbels said industrial hemp under the regulated program would contain scant traces of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol — called THC — the most active ingredient in marijuana. [continues 220 words]
SANTA FE - More than 50 people were arrested Wednesday in drug raids authorities say were aimed at three cocaine rings operating in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. The raids, which began about 6 a.m. throughout northern New Mexico, netted 21 people on federal charges and 30 people on state charges, U.S. Attorney Norman Bay said. "I want to make it clear that this is just the beginning," Donald Gallegos, district attorney based in Taos, said at a news conference called to discuss the raids. "There are still people out there who make money off of people's misery and death. And they're out there poisoning our children and families. I think today shows we're not going to put up with it." [continues 268 words]
SANTA FE -- A national group advocating the reform of marijuana laws has launched a $50,000 ad campaign in New Mexico supporting legislative measures that would decriminalize and allow for medical uses of the drug. The Washington-based National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, began airing radio ads last week in support of the drug law changes. NORML also took out a half page newspaper ad. "The purpose of our running these ads is we wanted to make sure there is healthy debate on the issue," said NORML executive director Keith Stroup, who was in Santa Fe Monday to lobby lawmakers. [continues 283 words]
A panel advising the governor on drug issues recommends allowing the use of marijuana to treat pain and suffering associated with serious illnesses and removing criminal penalties for those caught with small amounts of marijuana for personal use. The Governor's Drug Policy Advisory Group on Thursday released its report outlining reforms to current state and federal drug policy. The report will be reviewed by Gov. Gary Johnson, who has scheduled a news conference for Friday to discuss the recommendations. The report recommends the state develop a comprehensive drug, crime and health plan that includes increased funding for drug treatment, prevention and education; allows substance abuse treatment on request; and implements drug sentencing reform. [continues 520 words]
For the past two years, Gov. Gary Johnson has advocated reforming the nation's drug laws. Now, armed with the recommendations of a drug policy panel he appointed, the maverick Republican governor has the opportunity to turn that dream into a reality. The Governor's Drug Policy Advisory Group released a report Thursday outlining reforms to current state and federal drug policy. The report will be reviewed by Johnson, who has scheduled a news conference for Friday to discuss the recommendations. [continues 505 words]
