Medical marijuana patients still treated as criminals in New Mexico

Published: April 30, 2004

New Mexico's legislative session ended without a medical marijuana bill being introduced. Sadly, seriously ill New Mexicans will continue to be treated as criminals for using their medicine—until legislators have the courage and compassion to act. In 2003, New Mexico took a step toward protecting medical marijuana patients by introducing the Lynn Pierson Compassionate Use Act. Unfortunately, it was defeated on the floor, and legislators did not have the courage to introduce another medical marijuana bill in 2004.

Changing the way New Mexico treats these patients is long past due. Please urge your legislators to introduce a medical marijuana bill next session: Only you can convince them that this issue is vital to New Mexicans.

Please take a few moments to Take Action. After you choose your favorite pre-written letter and type in your address, our site will automatically e-mail your letter to your legislators … all with the click of a few buttons. The whole process takes less than two minutes, but it makes a world of difference. Also, you can print the letters and send them to your legislators through regular mail.

Eight states currently protect medical marijuana patients from arrest and imprisonment. In 2003, MPP helped a ninth state, Maryland, pass a law that removed the threat of prison for the medical use of marijuana. Polls consistently show massive public support for this issue. New Mexico legislators must learn that their constituents care about the fate of seriously ill New Mexicans. This cannot happen without your help. Please Take Action now.

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