Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Lawmakers are going back to work at the Roundhouse in 11 days, and it could bring changes to the medical marijuana program. A state senator wants to increase how much cannabis a patient can have at one time as demand for this program increases.
Rachael Speegle is a registered nurse and the Director of Operations at a medical cannabis dispensary called The Verdes Foundation. Speegle says they see about 350 patients a day, many who say they need more cannabis.
"They do not have access to the quality medicine that they need on a regular basis," said Speegle.
She says that's because right now, New Mexico dispensaries are capped at 450 plants and the Department of Health caps each patient to 8 ounces every three months.
Senator Cisco Mcsorley wants to increase those numbers significantly.
"They can't buy medicine because it's not available," he said.
He's proposing that New Mexico dispensaries get to grow a thousand plants, since other states are allowing more than 3,000 plants, and that patients be allowed 5 ounces every month.
Critics have said this increased supply could make its way into the wrong people's hands, but McSorley strongly disputes that and says his priority is providing for the patients.
"If they run out, then what's the patient going to do? They have to go to the black market or something like that, which we don't want," he said.
Speegle hopes other lawmakers feel the same.
"Safety is our number one concern, and that's why we're asking for more plants, and that's why we're asking for this bill to be approved," she said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Changes Could Be Coming To New Mexico's Medical Cannabis Program
Author: Megan Cruz
Contact: (505) 884-6324
Photo Credit: Flickr
Website: KOAT 7
Rachael Speegle is a registered nurse and the Director of Operations at a medical cannabis dispensary called The Verdes Foundation. Speegle says they see about 350 patients a day, many who say they need more cannabis.
"They do not have access to the quality medicine that they need on a regular basis," said Speegle.
She says that's because right now, New Mexico dispensaries are capped at 450 plants and the Department of Health caps each patient to 8 ounces every three months.
Senator Cisco Mcsorley wants to increase those numbers significantly.
"They can't buy medicine because it's not available," he said.
He's proposing that New Mexico dispensaries get to grow a thousand plants, since other states are allowing more than 3,000 plants, and that patients be allowed 5 ounces every month.
Critics have said this increased supply could make its way into the wrong people's hands, but McSorley strongly disputes that and says his priority is providing for the patients.
"If they run out, then what's the patient going to do? They have to go to the black market or something like that, which we don't want," he said.
Speegle hopes other lawmakers feel the same.
"Safety is our number one concern, and that's why we're asking for more plants, and that's why we're asking for this bill to be approved," she said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Changes Could Be Coming To New Mexico's Medical Cannabis Program
Author: Megan Cruz
Contact: (505) 884-6324
Photo Credit: Flickr
Website: KOAT 7
