New Mexico Medical Marijuana

New Mexico Medical Marijuana law was born in 2007, becoming the 12th such state to allow for protection for qualified individuals. Medical Marijuana New Mexico law, administered and regulated by the Department of Health, contains very clear cut laws and provisions on how patients and caregivers may procure, possess, and cultivate their medication. Contrary to many of its predecessors, New Mexico Medical Marijuana Law offers a great deal of clarity on how individuals may and may not act when dealing with their medical cannabis needs.

To receive protection under New Mexico Medical Marijuana law, an individual must have written confirmation of a qualifying medial condition, and must be in possession of a state issued registration card. The Department of Health is willing to review additional conditions submitted by a physician, on behalf of a patient. Protection under the Medical Marijuana New Mexico law extends to both anti-seizure and protection for those in the presence of medial cannabis. The Anit-Seizure provisions state that any property seized must be returned immediately upon verification of current registration information. And, any friends or family members in the presence of medical marijuana, are not susceptible to arrest or prosecution.

As stated above, an individual must be in possession of a valid registration card, in order to avoid arrest and prosecution. If the individual is not currently in possession of the registration card, but is officially registered, the patient has the opportunity to present the registration card before any arrest or prosecution is initiated. To apply for a registration card, a written certification by a licensed physician must be submitted to the Department of Health, along with a registration application, and proof of residency. All applications must be submitted to:

New Mexico Department of Health
Medical Cannabis Program
1190 St. Francis Dr. Suite S1310
Santa Fe, NM 87502

For questions, call, email, or visit:

(505) 827-2321
medical.cannabis@state.nm.us
www.health.state.nm.us/idb/medical_cannabis.shtml

There is currently no application fee. However, those wishing to acquire a production license to grow cannabis, must pay a $15 application fee, if their income exceeds 400% of the state poverty levels.

Qualifying medical conditions include the following:

• Severe Pain
• Severe Nausea/Vomiting
• Neuropathy
• Anorexia/Cachexia
• Hepatitis C
• Chron's Disease
• PTSD
• Lou Gehrig's Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Epilepsy
• Hospice Patients

Patients and Caregivers are allowed to possess an adequate supply of medical cannabis on behalf of the patient. Under Medical Marijuana New Mexico law, adequate supply is a three month supply, or six ounces of usable medicine and four mature and twelve seedlings. Caregivers are not allowed to produce cannabis for patients, but can assist them with the cultivation. Once a patient is registered, the Department of Health provides a list of authorized producers in their area. Consumption of medication is strictly forbidden in public areas or while operating a motor vehicle.

New Mexico Medical Marijuana law does not provide protection for residents of other states who use medical marijuana. No insurance companies are required to reimburse expenses related to the cultivation, procurement, or consumption of the medication. Medical Marijuana New Mexico law does not require an employer or housing authority to tolerate the use of medical marijuana by their employees or residents.