Pubdate: Wed, 06 Aug 2014
Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)
Copyright: 2014 Albuquerque Journal
Contact:  http://www.abqjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10
Author: Dan Boyd
Page: C2

STATE ADVISED TO GO SLOW ON POT RULES

Medical Marijuana Changes Considered

SANTA FE - The New Mexico Department of Health should take its time 
before implementing proposed rule changes to the state's medical 
marijuana program, a state-appointed hearing officer has recommended.

Many of the proposals, which include changes in fees, testing and 
plant limits, have come under fire since being unveiled by the agency 
earlier this year.

In a July 25 report, hearing officer Susan Hapka recommended the 
Health Department hold a second public hearing on the medical pot 
proposals and wait until an advisory board meets later this month 
before deciding whether to adopt them.

In response, agency spokesman Kenny Vigil said the department will 
indeed wait until after the advisory board meeting before making any decisions.

However, he said the agency has not decided whether it will hold 
another public hearing on the matter.

A June hearing in Santa Fe drew a crowd of about 500, with most 
opposed to the proposed rule changes. In addition, nearly 1,000 
people submitted written comments to the agency.

The criticism from medial marijuana providers and users - many of 
whom are military veterans - prompted the agency to back away from 
some of its proposed changes.

Specifically, Health Department officials said last month that they 
planned to withdraw two proposals - criminal background checks for 
patients approved to grow their own medical marijuana and a reduction 
in pot plants for personal consumption.

In addition, the department said it planned to revise a new fee 
structure for licensed producers, with producers being allowed to 
grow up to 450 plants at one time, at an increased fee, under the 
revised proposal.

Len Goodman, executive director of the Santa Fe-based NewMexiCann 
Natural Medicine, one of the state's 23 licensed medical marijuana 
providers, said the Department of Health appears to have taken public 
feedback to heart.

"I am guardedly optimistic because they have made significant changes 
that are very important," Goodman said Tuesday. "From my perspective, 
the public process is on track."

The Health Department crafted its proposed changes to the medical pot 
program after an internal agency survey found a supply shortage for a 
growing number of patients.

More than 11,000 patients are enrolled in the Medical Cannabis 
Program, which was created by lawmakers in 2007.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom