Pubdate: Thu, 16 Nov 2006 Source: Ruidoso News (NM) Copyright: 2006 Ruidoso News Contact: http://www.ruidosonews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3000 Author: Julie Roberts, Policy Assistant, Drug Policy Alliance of New Mexico Cited: Drug Policy Alliance of New Mexico http://www.drugpolicy.org/about/stateoffices/newmexico/ Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal) MEDICAL MARIJUANA IS AN ISSUE OF COMPASSION The staff at Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico had the wonderful opportunity of visiting Ruidoso on Nov. 4 and holding a medical marijuana community forum. Ruidoso is truly a charming and beautiful town and we enjoyed our visit - I just wish we could have stayed longer! Ruidoso community members gathered at the Ruidoso Public Library to learn about legislation to be proposed in 2007 that would provide legal access to medical marijuana in New Mexico. The forum was coordinated by the Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico, the state's leading organization advocating for patients' rights and public health. "Medical marijuana is an issue of compassion for the seriously ill and dying in New Mexico," said Reena Szczepanski, Director of Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico. "New Mexicans have showed widespread support for this lifesaving legislation, with 81 percent of New Mexico voters supporting legislation that would allow seriously ill patients to use medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation." Research acknowledges the medical benefit of cannabis for the seriously ill. The Congressionally Chartered Institute of Medicine released a 1999 report that affirmed the medical value of marijuana for alleviating pain, increasing appetite and decreasing nausea. Ruidoso residents had the opportunity to ask questions regarding medical marijuana and the upcoming legislation. In 2005 and 2006, The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, sponsored by Senator Cisco McSorley, came close to passing the Legislature but failed to receive a House floor vote in both years. In 2006, the bill passed the Senate 34-6 with broad, bipartisan support. For the next legislative session, 2007 will be the year that New Mexico joins 12 other states in showing compassion for seriously ill and dying patients. The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act would allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana for patients suffering from six serious medical conditions, including cancer, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. These recommendations would be summarized in an application form that the medical provider would submit to the Department of Health. If the application was approved, the patient and their caregiver would receive an identification card. The bill carefully addresses the need for dispensing the medication and calls for the state to license the production, distribution, and dispensing of this medication for patients. This regulation by the Department of Health will ensure a safe and controlled method for providing medical marijuana to patients. Attendees of the forum expressed enthusiasm and support for the passage of the bill. Community members pledged their help to ensure that policymakers become educated about the issue. Some shared heartfelt personal stories about family members who had benefited from medical marijuana in states that permit its use. Others said that they supported the issue because they want legal access to any medication that their doctor recommended, should they become ill. Valerie Hubbard, an 18 year resident of Ruidoso and office manager and advocate with DPA New Mexico, commented, "The proposed medical marijuana legislation is about protecting and caring for people in our communities. This is a nonpartisan issue and has wide support among both Democrats and Republicans in our state. Providing patients access to medical marijuana is about reason, compassion and justice, not political affiliation" Both local and national organizations support legislation that would protect medical marijuana patients, including national organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians, The American Bar Association and The American Nurses Association. Local organizations showing support include the New Mexico Public Health Association, Health Action New Mexico and the Catholic Diocese of Gallup. Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico thanks everyone who came to the forum, and we encourage Ruidoso to continue their interest and support of medical marijuana legislation. New Mexicans can take action by meeting or calling their legislators and discussing their perspectives on medical marijuana legislation. You may also log onto Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico's Web site at www.improvenewmexico.org for more information on medical marijuana and how to get involved in the upcoming legislative session. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake