Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Santa Fe, N.M — As the backlog of applications for the state's Medical Cannabis Program continues, groups are looking for answers.
The backlog has left medical cannabis patients waiting 60 or more days to receive their cards. But a state statute says it should only take 30 days.
Advocacy groups say the problem has been ongoing for seven months now. Thursday, the public is invited to a meeting at the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe.
State Auditor Tim Keller, as well as a representative with the Department of Health will speak about the backlog.
Last month, Keller called on the Department of Health to make changes, warning they could face a full audit.
At last check, the Department of Health was still working on hiring more staff to review applications.
They say within the last year they have had nearly 10,000 people apply for the program.
Groups are now asking for a contingency plan for patients waiting on new cards.
The meeting gets underway at 3 p.m. Thursday. The public will have the chance to voice their concerns from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m.
The Department of Health says people whose cards are set to expire should start the renewal process 60 days early.
They also ask applicants to make sure their forms are completely filled out as to not cause further delays for others.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Public Meeting Planned On Medical Cannabis Card Delays
Author: Fernanda Lopez
Contact: (505) 243-2285
Photo Credit: KRQE News 13
Website: KRQE News 13
The backlog has left medical cannabis patients waiting 60 or more days to receive their cards. But a state statute says it should only take 30 days.
Advocacy groups say the problem has been ongoing for seven months now. Thursday, the public is invited to a meeting at the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe.
State Auditor Tim Keller, as well as a representative with the Department of Health will speak about the backlog.
Last month, Keller called on the Department of Health to make changes, warning they could face a full audit.
At last check, the Department of Health was still working on hiring more staff to review applications.
They say within the last year they have had nearly 10,000 people apply for the program.
Groups are now asking for a contingency plan for patients waiting on new cards.
The meeting gets underway at 3 p.m. Thursday. The public will have the chance to voice their concerns from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m.
The Department of Health says people whose cards are set to expire should start the renewal process 60 days early.
They also ask applicants to make sure their forms are completely filled out as to not cause further delays for others.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Public Meeting Planned On Medical Cannabis Card Delays
Author: Fernanda Lopez
Contact: (505) 243-2285
Photo Credit: KRQE News 13
Website: KRQE News 13
