Medical Cannabis Program ensuring patient access to product as commercial sales begin Friday

SANTA FE - The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) confirms a stable, long-term supply of medical cannabis is and will continue to be available for patients ahead of statewide recreational cannabis sales beginning later this week.  

Steps taken by the state include requiring the industry to reserve 20% of their products for cannabis patients and increasing the amount of medical cannabis patients may buy at one time. 

“We are proud to help more than 132,000 New Mexicans who use cannabis to alleviate pain and other medical symptoms,” said Medical Cannabis Program Director, Dr. Dominick Zurlo. “As part of our commitment to improving the quality of life for our patients, we continue to work closely with the Cannabis Control Division to ensure an adequate, safe, long term and stable supply of product for all of those enrolled in the Medical Cannabis Program.” 

The Department of Health has also  expanded the ability for patients and medical providers to utilize telehealth and enroll for the program using the Online Patient Portal. The Online Patient Portal allows patients and medical providers to easily register for the program and track their medical cannabis purchases. You can apply for the Medical Cannabis Program here. In accordance with the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, the Medical Cannabis Program also recently increased the amount patients may obtain from 8 ounces to 15 ounces every 90 days. Enrollment in the program does not restrict medical patients from participating in commercial purchases.

The Public Health and Safety Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Medical Cannabis Program is examining issues of health and safety with cannabis use during the transition from a medical program to the new expanded medical and commercial programs. This will help New Mexico evaluate the impact of cannabis on the people of the State.

The Medical Cannabis Medical Advisory Board continues to receive, review, and make recommendations on petitions for new or changing qualifying conditions. This process helps to ensure evidence-based research showing potential benefits or adverse effects related to cannabis use for potential qualifying conditions is examined and taken into consideration.                         

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