ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- For more than a year, the state has approved some New Mexicans to use marijuana, but they have yet to approve anyone to distribute it.
On the surface, it was just another public hearing on medical marijuana. But look a little harder and you'll see patients who said they need a medicine that's illegal -- -- but in the crowd were people who said their quality of life depended on the final decision.
"A lot of pain, nausea, not being able to keep weight on," medical marijuana user Hank Tafoya said, describing his symptoms, "(I've been) HIV positive for twenty years, AIDS diagnosis for 19 years and this year was also told I have cancer."
Roman Castillo is a father of two and was shot during a home invasion almost three years ago. He said medical marijuana not only helps him feel better, but helps him be a better father.
"For me it is a life saving drug," Castillo said.
Tafoya and Castillo are both allowed to posses and use medical marijuana, but both have to find it themselves because the state has yet to approve anyone to give it to them.
In just over a year since the state starting approving residents to use medical marijuana the number permitted to do so has steadily grown to over 180.
The state said meetings are helping them shape rules for medical marijuana distribution, but they admit there is no time frame for when that will happen.
"You have this added burden of dealing with legal repercussions or trying to access this medicine that will make you stay well," Tafoya said.
Tafoya said problems with access can add stress to patients who are already ill. But both he and Castillo hold out hope for the future.
"I am very optimistic that things are going to be working well here in New Mexico," Castillo said.
Monday's meeting is one more closer to them getting the medicine they need.
The department of health is still working with the public to shape the rules for potential medical marijuana distributors, and while the state has approved some patients for its use, they are still susceptible to federal law.
