New Mexico medical marijuana program serves as model for other states
While less-regulated medical marijuana programs in states like Montana and California continue to create headlines, New Mexico’s medical marijuana program continues to grow and improve with little fanfare. The program was initially criticized for restrictive plant limits and having too few providers, which led to shortages that kept medicine out of the hands of patients. Since then, New Mexico’s Department of Health has quietly expanded the number of providers (now up to 23) and the number of plants each can cultivate (up to 150 from 95). It has also expanded the list of conditions for which patients can qualify.
Perhaps because the growth of New Mexico’s medical marijuana program has been so carefully managed, the state has largely steered clear of raids and other enforcement actions taken against dispensaries in states without thorough, state-wide regulation. It might also be why Gov. Susana Martinez, despite her vocal opposition to medical marijuana, has not taken serious action to end the program, and legislative efforts to repeal the law have also failed.
For information on New Mexico’s medical marijuana program, including information on qualifying conditions and how to become a patient, please visit the New Mexico Health Department’s information page. And to stay up to date on the latest news and information, subscribe to MPP's free email alerts.
Marijuana laws in New Mexico
While not a decrim state, New Mexico’s marijuana laws are less draconian than most states. Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana for non-medical purposes is punishable by a $50-100 fine and up to 15 days in jail. A second offense, or a conviction for possession of more than an ounce, can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and a prison term of up to one year.
While better than most, a law that could lead to jail time simply for possessing a substance safer than alcohol is still wasteful and wrongheaded. According to this excellent analysis of the consequences of New Mexico's laws, marijuana arrests (91% of which were for simple possession) cost New Mexico’s criminal justice system roughly $37.5 million dollars in 2006.
Use our online action center to ask your state legislators to propose legislation that would put an end to jail sentences for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Stay connected
For more information about the status of marijuana policy reform in New Mexico, please contact us by email at state@mpp.org.
Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. To stay updated on the status of marijuana policy reform in New Mexico, subscribe to MPP's free legislative alert service.
