Jacob Bell
New Member
New Mexico's medical marijuana program is growing as federal authorities work to crack down on the program in other states.
However, some patients are upset with how long it is taking to get their applications approved in Santa Fe.
Since the state's program began in 2007, there has been an explosion in the numbers of doctors prescribing medical marijuana and the Department of Health is having a hard time keeping up with all the new applications.
Army veteran Ernie Martinez, who was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, expressed his frustrations Wednesday at a Department of Health meeting in Albuquerque.
"I've been trying unsuccessfully since about July," Martinez said.
A marathon runner, Martinez said he is tired of taking pills and is concerned about possible damage to his liver.
"We're not interested in taking pills. We want something that's more natural. Something that is good for us," Martinez explained.
Martinez said he also does not want to purchase marijuana on the black market.
The state's Cannabis Program Manager Dominic Zurlow said he is hiring five temporary workers so they can work to process the applications in a timely manner for patients.
Not only are more doctors prescribing cannabis, but more medical conditions are qualifying for treatment.
On Wednesday, a medical advisory board considered 22 new diseases and conditions for the state's program, including insomnia, autism and Alzheimer's disease.
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: kob.com
Author: Danielle Flores
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: KOB-TV, LLC
Website: Dept. of Health struggles with amount of med. marijuana applications
However, some patients are upset with how long it is taking to get their applications approved in Santa Fe.
Since the state's program began in 2007, there has been an explosion in the numbers of doctors prescribing medical marijuana and the Department of Health is having a hard time keeping up with all the new applications.
Army veteran Ernie Martinez, who was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, expressed his frustrations Wednesday at a Department of Health meeting in Albuquerque.
"I've been trying unsuccessfully since about July," Martinez said.
A marathon runner, Martinez said he is tired of taking pills and is concerned about possible damage to his liver.
"We're not interested in taking pills. We want something that's more natural. Something that is good for us," Martinez explained.
Martinez said he also does not want to purchase marijuana on the black market.
The state's Cannabis Program Manager Dominic Zurlow said he is hiring five temporary workers so they can work to process the applications in a timely manner for patients.
Not only are more doctors prescribing cannabis, but more medical conditions are qualifying for treatment.
On Wednesday, a medical advisory board considered 22 new diseases and conditions for the state's program, including insomnia, autism and Alzheimer's disease.
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: kob.com
Author: Danielle Flores
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: KOB-TV, LLC
Website: Dept. of Health struggles with amount of med. marijuana applications
