New Dispensaries and Patients Have Joined NM’s Medical Marijuana Program

Since January 1, New Mexico’s medical marijuana program has grown by more than 8,000 patients. That brings the state total to over 40,000 registered patients.

Also growing in New Mexico is the number of dispensaries, according to Santa Fe New Mexican. The state now has 56 dispensaries. In January 2016, there were just 36 dispensaries statewide.

Sales this year are up 91-percent from this time last year. In 2017, five growers have reported over $1 million in sales.

Representative Bill Rehm thinks the state’s program is being abused.

He said, “I think there are a bunch of people who are obtaining marijuana cards, not for a true medical reason, but for justification for them to smoke marijuana legally.”

Willie Ford from R. Greenleaf & Associates says there may be some truth to that statement but most patients do have a legitimate medical condition.

Ford said, “I have put my full faith in the Department of Health. They have a good system for determining and confirming a person’s eligibility.”

To qualify for a medical marijuana card in New Mexico, a documented diagnosis from a physician is required.