Daily Headlines STATE'S CANNABIS PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW by Patrice Brazie, (Source:Cibola County Beacon)

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New Mexico

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The State of New Mexico's Medical Cannabis Program ( MCP ) was started in 2007 to provide patients suffering from certain specific health issues another option for treating the effects of those health conditions and the adverse effects of pharmaceutical treatments.



Being only the 12th state to pass legislation approving the use of medical marijuana, there was much initial skepticism regarding the program, yet it continues to grow. As of April 30, it had served 9,090 patients across the state.



The program is administered by the state Department of Health in accordance with the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. Patients with qualifying medical conditions must apply for a license from the state to purchase, possess, and use the herb. Among the health conditions for which the use of cannabis has been approved are: cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage and the human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ). Patients with other medical conditions or issues may petition the state for approval of cannabis use for conditions or diseases not yet on the approved list.



The state's Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, consisting of eight board-certified medical practitioners, is responsible for reviewing petitions from patients and recommending to the Health Department the addition of conditions or diseases for which cannabis use has been found to be beneficial.



In addition to the licensure requirements for participation in the program, the state also issues licenses to qualified patients who, under conditions acceptable by the state, are able and interested in growing the herb themselves for personal use only. The state also regulates medical cannabis production by licensed growers producing the herb for distribution to program participants.



Understanding the complex system of regulation, distribution, acquisition and use of cannabis for medical purposes is challenging, especially for those who are seriously ill or disabled and with few financial resources.



The program's unofficial encouragement to participating patients regarding a perceived need to maintain an element of secrecy for safety and security reasons leaves many unwilling to openly talk about their cannabis use.



The ongoing stigma in some segments of American society attached to cannabis use also has deterred patients from openly acknowledging participation in the program.



- - Lincoln County News, by Patrice Brazie





MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom





Share This Article Pubdate: Fri, 14 Jun 2013

Source: Cibola County Beacon (NM)

Copyright: 2013 Lincoln County News

Contact: editor@cibolabeacon.com

Website: http://www.cibolabeacon.com/

Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3568

Author: Patrice Brazie



