A New Mexico lawmaker has introduced legislation to repeal the state’s four-year-old medical marijuana law. A New Mexico lawmaker has introduced legislation to repeal the state’s four-year-old medical marijuana law.

House Bill 593, introduced by Santa Fe Republican James Smith, aims to completely repeal New Mexico’s existing medical marijuana law, which was initially approved by the legislature and the Governor in 2007.

Presently, over 3,200 patients are using cannabis legally in compliance with state law. In addition, state officials have licensed some 25 facilities to produce or dispense medical cannabis. To date, reports of abuses regarding the use or distribution of medical cannabis as authorized by the law have been minimal

Nevertheless, Smith — who admits “I’m not a medical doctor, I don’t pretend to be” – states that the law sends a mixed message to young people and that other alternative medications are available.

House Bill 593 has been assigned to the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee and awaits a scheduled hearing. Newly elected Republican Governor Susana Martinez, who recently stated that this issue would not be a legislative priority for her administration in 2011, has said she would sign Smith’s bill if it reaches her desk.

Do not let that happen! There has never been a single state medical marijuana law that has been repealed. Do not let New Mexico be the first.