Demand for medical marijuana “grows” in southern New Mexico

The demand for medical marijuana dispensaries in southern New Mexico seems to be growing as fast as the plant itself.

“It has to do with the number of patients growing exponentially in New Mexico.” said Daniel Reyes, a consultant “budtender” for Sacred Gardens.

Sacred Gardens opened in early January, celebrating a grand opening on Friday. The company joins three other dispensaries in the area, with more to come.

“The taboo is starting to go away,” Reyes said. “(It’s) such a wonderful thing. We have such an opportunity in front of us to help heal.”

A representative from a separate company, Budding Hope, told ABC-7 that they’re eyeing a location in Las Cruces next month. Another New Mexico company, Ultra Health, confirmed to the Las Cruces Sun-News that they expect to open locations in Las Cruces and Sunland Park.

Reyes said the perception of the plant has changed from from a “Cheech and Chong” stereotype to a powerful medicine.

“This is not a drug,” Reyes said. “This is a medicine.”