Health Dept Asks For Comment On Medical Marijuana Regulations

SANTA FE, N.M.(AP) – Patients, caregivers or private entities could get licenses from the state Department of Health to provide marijuana under New Mexico’s medical marijuana program.

The department has released proposed regulations that would establish rules for a regulated system that would involve the licensure, distribution and manufacturing of medical marijuana.

The department plans to publish the proposed regulations for public comment on December 14, and a public hearing has been scheduled for January 14 in Santa Fe.

Department spokeswoman Deborah Busemeyer says the medical marijuana program is complicated and important and state health officials want to make sure the regulations governing the program are put together thoughtfully and carefully and with public input.

The state law that took effect in July allows the use of marijuana for pain or other symptoms of debilitating illnesses such as cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, HIV-AIDS and certain spinal cord injuries.

The department has certified 74 patients as eligible to possess marijuana since the law took effect July 1.

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