Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
The House voted 34-24 today to approve a measure that would require employees of licensed medical marijuana providers to pass criminal background checks.
The vote on the bill, which now advances to the Senate, broke down along near party lines. Most House Democrats voted for the measure - only three voted in favor - while all House Republicans that were present cast "yes" votes.
Some Democratic lawmakers blasted the legislation, saying it could place a stigma on working in the medical pot industry.
"This is inventing a solution for a problem that does not exist," said Rep. Bill McCamley, D-Mesilla Park.
But Rep. Paul Pacheco, R-Albuquerque, the sponsor of House Bill 527, said lawmakers need not wait for a scandal to occur before enacting such a policy.
"I think what we're trying to do is take a preemptive step to make sure the program stays steady and there are no problems with it," Pacheco said.
If approved, the bill would require the Department of Health to adopt rules around the background checks. But it also says certain drug-related felony convictions would permanently disqualify an employee from working for a medical marijuana dispensary.
There are currently 387 employees working for 23 different licensed providers in the state's Medical Cannabis Program, Pacheco said during today's debate.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bill requiring background checks for medical pot workers approved by House on 34-24 vote | Albuquerque Journal News
Author: Dan Boyd
Contact: Sending E-Mail Tips to Albuquerque Journal Reporter
Photo Credit: Simon Thompson
Website: Albuquerque and New Mexico News, Sports, Business and more | Albuquerque Journal News
The vote on the bill, which now advances to the Senate, broke down along near party lines. Most House Democrats voted for the measure - only three voted in favor - while all House Republicans that were present cast "yes" votes.
Some Democratic lawmakers blasted the legislation, saying it could place a stigma on working in the medical pot industry.
"This is inventing a solution for a problem that does not exist," said Rep. Bill McCamley, D-Mesilla Park.
But Rep. Paul Pacheco, R-Albuquerque, the sponsor of House Bill 527, said lawmakers need not wait for a scandal to occur before enacting such a policy.
"I think what we're trying to do is take a preemptive step to make sure the program stays steady and there are no problems with it," Pacheco said.
If approved, the bill would require the Department of Health to adopt rules around the background checks. But it also says certain drug-related felony convictions would permanently disqualify an employee from working for a medical marijuana dispensary.
There are currently 387 employees working for 23 different licensed providers in the state's Medical Cannabis Program, Pacheco said during today's debate.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bill requiring background checks for medical pot workers approved by House on 34-24 vote | Albuquerque Journal News
Author: Dan Boyd
Contact: Sending E-Mail Tips to Albuquerque Journal Reporter
Photo Credit: Simon Thompson
Website: Albuquerque and New Mexico News, Sports, Business and more | Albuquerque Journal News
